Chisato’s SA Narrative in the U.S.

In this chapter, the author presents the TL-mediated socializing narrative of Chisato, a Japanese international student who studied in the U.S. for one year. Throughout her stay, Chisato navigated a dynamically changing social environment, marked by the departure of many ESL classmates and shifts in her social networks. Early on, she recognized the need to actively explore TL-mediated socializing opportunities, as access to local students was limited. With guidance from Japanese near peer role models (NPRMs), she expanded her social network by engaging with both ESL classmates and local students through various contexts, such as the Tutor Room and Japan Club. Chisato’s ability to co-construct comfortable affinity spaces with peers, including the Japanese NPRMs, Korean ESL students, and local students, was facilitated by shared goals of improving TL skills. However, she also encountered challenges, including conflicts with her host mother and discomfort from receiving critical feedback from the NPRMs. Despite these difficulties, Chisato’s agency in socializing and English learning grew over time. By the end of her stay, she actively supported new ESL students and gained confidence in navigating intercultural and linguistic challenges, reflecting a transformation in her social positioning from a newcomer to an old-timer within the ESL program.