In conversation with Gary Barkhuizen about language teacher identity

Gary Barkhuizen, Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Auckland, is a prominent scholar studying narrative inquiry and language teacher education. With academic roots spanning South Africa and New Zealand, his journey began with studies at the University of Essex and Columbia University, where he earned his Master’s and Doctorate degrees, respectively. His influence extends far beyond his classroom, with numerous publications in esteemed journals such as TESOL Quarterly, RELC Journal, and Australian Review of Applied Linguistics. Renowned for his co-authored books such as “Analysing Learner Language” and “Narrative Inquiry in Language Teaching and Learning Research,” he continues to shape discourse in applied linguistics with his work on language teacher identity. On January 16, 2024, he was interviewed by Huseyin Uysal. In their conversation, Gary reflects on pivotal career moments, emphasizing the power of connections in teaching. He explores the dynamic interplay of self-perception and external descriptions in identity formation, introducing facets like reflexive and projected identities. Dilemmic aspects during transitions, coping practices, and the impact of early experiences on identity are discussed. Gary extends the focus to broader socio-political contexts, highlighting the influence of external realities. Regarding future research, he suggests exploring teachers of multiple languages, heritage languages, and Indigenous languages. He emphasizes the need for self-study, addressing ideological spaces and practical implementation of identity research in language teacher education. Copyright © 2024 Huseyin Uysal.