Community Based Heritage Language Schools in the United States: An Overview

In the United States today heritage language education is delivered by a variety of organizations, for different age populations, and in a range of languages. Appreciating the breadth and specifics of these programs allows for an understanding of the current resources that exist for heritage language learners. A survey conducted in 2021 by the Coalition for Community based Heritage Language Schools sheds light on the state of heritage language education in the United States.

The survey, based on the responses of 449 heritage language schools, found that 39 languages were taught in heritage language schools across the nation. The languages most taught in the schools included: Japanese (51 programs), Chinese (44 programs), Lithuanian (41 programs), Polish (39), and German (28). Programs were reported in 38 states. The locations in which the programs were located varied as follows: private schools (94 programs), religious organizations (91 programs), public schools (64 programs), library/community centers (50 programs), home or private facility (29 programs), and other (59 programs).

Programs varied in the times they met, the length of time they provided education, and the populations served. The programs reported meeting during the work week only (84 programs), the weekend only (307), and the work week and weekend (59 programs). The amount of time each heritage language program met per week ranged from less than 3 hours (45 programs), to 3 to 5 hours (77 programs), and more than 5 hours (11 programs). The programs served heritage language learners of the following ages: preschool (314 programs), K-4 (294 programs), 5-8 (233 programs), 9-12 (189 programs), and adults (374).

The 2021 survey provides a snapshot of the rich and varied heritage language education options currently offered in the United States. Future surveys will likely show changes in the landscape of heritage language education offerings and can help to identify needs in certain regions of the nation.

Photo Credit: The Public Health Library from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Unsplash.

Information for this piece was sourced from: Coalition for Community based Heritage Language Schools: Language Survey Results 2021