Heritage Language Schools: A Critical Tool to Protect Home Languages
Heritage language schools are education programs devoted to educating heritage language speakers to improve their abilities in their their home language. These schools recognize that heritage language learners have diverse levels of proficiency in their expressive, receptive, and written language skills, when compared to non-heritage language learners. This is because many heritage language learners have had some exposure to hearing their HL in the home or hearing extended family speak it, yet have not studied it directly. They may recognize what sounds correct, yet not understand why it is correct.
There are also vast differences in the amount of exposure heritage language learners have had to their home language. Some learners may be familar with the correct accent, some expressive and receptive language, yet lack writing and grammatical skills. Others may have had very little exposure to any of their home language. These differences in exposure are common among learners in HL schools.
Schools that are dedicated to heritage language education must be flexible enough evaluate the specific needs of each HL learner and meet their individual needs. They must also be cognizant of educational needs of heritage language leaners that go beyond language acquisition. These may include learning about the customs, history, food, and holidays of their heritage language nation. Many of these schools use native speakers of the language to instruct students. These teachers are familiar with the customs of the HL nation and can model both directly and indirectly these items.
Heritage language schools currently exist throughout the United States and other nations. They are growing in popularity in many areas, yet in other areas it can be difficult to find a heritage language school. Often times, religious groups, cultural groups, or community organizations start a HL school or class. Some public schools also offer heritage language classes. These specially designed schools and classes that address the learning needs of their students can be a critical tool in helping to protect heritage languages.
