@article{ART003354642},
author={Wu, Qin},
title={A narrative inquiry into identity construction through Korean work experiences of highly educated international students: Focusing on Chinese master's degree holders in humanities and social sciences},
journal={The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea},
issn={1226-4822},
year={2026},
volume={34},
number={2},
pages={71-108}
TY - JOUR
AU - Wu, Qin
TI - A narrative inquiry into identity construction through Korean work experiences of highly educated international students: Focusing on Chinese master's degree holders in humanities and social sciences
JO - The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea
PY - 2026
VL - 34
IS - 2
PB - The Sociolinguistic Society Of Korea
SP - 71
EP - 108
SN - 1226-4822
AB - Using narrative inquiry, this study explores the identity construction of three Chinese master's degree holders from humanities and social science backgrounds through their employment experiences in South Korea. The findings revealed two shared patterns: first, participants faced structural constraints including visa restrictions and language and cultural barriers, that shaped their identity negotiation strategies; second, despite these challenges, participants exercised agency to resist ascribed identities and construct more self-directed ones. At the same time, their identity trajectories differed considerably, reflecting the diversity of individual experiences within a shared social position. This study extends identity and language learning theories to workplace contexts and calls for more flexible visa policies, culturally responsive corporate support, and enhanced vocational Korean language education programs that reflect actual workplace discourse.
KW - narrative inquiry;identity construction;highly educated international students;Chinese master’s degree holders;Korean workplace
DO -
UR -
ER -
Wu, Qin. (2026). A narrative inquiry into identity construction through Korean work experiences of highly educated international students: Focusing on Chinese master's degree holders in humanities and social sciences. The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea, 34(2), 71-108.
Wu, Qin. 2026, "A narrative inquiry into identity construction through Korean work experiences of highly educated international students: Focusing on Chinese master's degree holders in humanities and social sciences", The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea, vol.34, no.2 pp.71-108.
Wu, Qin "A narrative inquiry into identity construction through Korean work experiences of highly educated international students: Focusing on Chinese master's degree holders in humanities and social sciences" The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea 34.2 pp.71-108 (2026) : 71.
Wu, Qin. A narrative inquiry into identity construction through Korean work experiences of highly educated international students: Focusing on Chinese master's degree holders in humanities and social sciences. 2026; 34(2), 71-108.
Wu, Qin. "A narrative inquiry into identity construction through Korean work experiences of highly educated international students: Focusing on Chinese master's degree holders in humanities and social sciences" The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea 34, no.2 (2026) : 71-108.
Wu, Qin. A narrative inquiry into identity construction through Korean work experiences of highly educated international students: Focusing on Chinese master's degree holders in humanities and social sciences. The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea, 34(2), 71-108.
Wu, Qin. A narrative inquiry into identity construction through Korean work experiences of highly educated international students: Focusing on Chinese master's degree holders in humanities and social sciences. The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea. 2026; 34(2) 71-108.
Wu, Qin. A narrative inquiry into identity construction through Korean work experiences of highly educated international students: Focusing on Chinese master's degree holders in humanities and social sciences. 2026; 34(2), 71-108.
Wu, Qin. "A narrative inquiry into identity construction through Korean work experiences of highly educated international students: Focusing on Chinese master's degree holders in humanities and social sciences" The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea 34, no.2 (2026) : 71-108.
