EFL Teachers’ Professional Identity: A Critical Discourse Analysis

• Published in: PROFILE issues in teachers' professional development Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 191 - 204
• Main Authors: Marcial, Jaime, Basurto Santos, Nora M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bogota Universidad Nacional de Colombia 01.07.2025
• Subjects: Critical discourse analysis; Cultural instruction; Discourse analysis; Educational Practices; efl teachers; English (Second Language); English as a second language instruction; English as a second language teaching methods; English teachers; Ethics; Interviews; Language culture relationship; Language Teachers; mexico; Political discourse; Professional Identity; Second language teachers; Self concept; Teaching
• ISSN: 1657-0790; 1657-0790
• DOI: 10.15446/profile.v27n2.119733

This study uses critical discourse analysis to explore the identities of three university English teachers. The research identifies ideological elements in language teaching and cultural transmission practices, following the post-structuralist literature on their role in shaping personal and professional identities. Findings are presented through extracts from narrative and semi-structured interviews, highlighting the political, cultural, academic, and personal subject positioning in teachers’ discourse. Critical discourse analysis elucidated the participants’ views on teaching and cultural practices on an ethical level. The conclusions propose a possible revision of their professional identities based on discourse analysis, contributing to a deeper understanding of teachers’ responsibilities towards language education. This was done with the construction of an interpretative profile with prescriptive aspects to enhance each participant’s teaching practice.