Abstract

The study continues our deep research in the field of language autobiographies (including self-expression, making sense of one`s own language learning experience, the language of emotion in language autobiographies, critical thinking – with focus on intellectual perseverance, as well as the identification of factors that trigger demotivation in language learning and using a foreign language). It concentrates on the multiple perspectives of analysis offered by mobility, interpreted in terms of personal development. That is, the individual`s mobility from one stage of life to another, from one place/moment in time to another  - a process that involves not only physical movement, but also a desire of confronting changes (allowing for new experiences), of overcoming obstacles and learning new things. This type of mobility involves physical and mental flexibility and adaptability, self-awareness, as well as growth of mind-set  and leads to improvement of knowledge, abilities, behaviour, along with the cognitive and emotional intelligences; in other  words, to personal growth/development.

We consider that language autobiographies, as a “personal account/narrative/story” of the individual`s “journey” through linguistic experiences, can be an informative research instrument, within the framework of a hybrid approach: thematic narrative inquiry, with elements from discourse analysis.