earticle

영어

This paper attempts to show that storytelling is important in language learning and identity formation for those who (im)migrated to the West in Willa Cather's My Ántonia. Jim Burden and Ántonia Shimerda share the same need to settle down in a totally new place, although they differ in nationality, language and culture. Experiencing the language barrier as a primary obstacle to overcome, Ántonia makes an effort to learn English. On the other hand, when Jim is isolated when other immigrants communicate with their own language, Ántonia translates their stories into English. Through many other examples, the novel shows that language serves as a necessary tool for communication and adaptation. Futhermore, storytelling plays a significant part in one's identity formation. Many characters with (im)migrant backgrounds gain an opportunity to establish their identities by telling stories about their present life and past memories. Throughout the novel, it is poignantly suggested that storytelling serves as an effective way for language learning and identity formation.