States can Protect Heritage Languages
The state of Maryland has taken a leading role in protecting heritage languages. It is the first state in the U.S. to develop a state sponsored Task Force for the Preservation of Heritage Language Skills. The Task Force undertook a review of heritage language speakers in the state, resources related to home languages in the state, and the needs of the state related to these languages. T
The Task Force found that in 2006 12.2% of the state’s population spoke a heritage language, with 140 languages spoken. They also found that religious and community groups provided the majority of heritage language instruction and support in the state. The report from this group identified nine central goals for the state to work toward in order to preserve heritage languages.
The results of the Task Force’s work can provide important insights for other states around ways of protecting heritage languages. A summary of the significant recommendations from the Task Force follows below. The full report can be accessed here.
Establish a website for all heritage language programs in the state.
Allow students to earn high school credit if they attend non-public heritage language schools.
Increase World Language Programs for K-12 students that allow for a focus on English learning, but also enhance their heritage language.
Expand teacher certification for heritage language speakers.
Increase books in heritage languages in libraries.
Offer affordable and easily accessible english language instruction to adult heritage language speakers.
Improve access to all heritage language programs.
Establish an easily accessible list of employment opportunities available in the state to heritage language speakers.
Develop a Language Roadmap or strategic plan for the state.
Photo Credit: Joey Csunyo on Unspalsh.
The information for this piece comes from: The Report of the Task Force on the Preservation of Heritage Language Skills in Maryland. January 1, 2009.
