Definition of a Heritage Speaker: “a student who is raised in a home where a non-English language is spoken, who speaks or merely understands the heritage language and who is to some degree bilingual in English and the heritage language” (Valdés, 2000)
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Are you a Heritage Speaker of Spanish?
If so, you will find important information on this page that will help guide your decision when selecting a Spanish class. The following research articles suggest that generally speaking, Heritage Speakers of Spanish need Spanish courses specifically designed for them due to their significant linguistic differences to L1 learners (native English speakers learning Spanish as a second language), motivations, goals, and academic needs. Feel free to read through these articles/presentations and please don't hesitate to email me or visit me to ask questions. We are here to help you.
Eric Digest, Hancock Study
Potowski, Study on Heritage Learners´classroom experiences
Tallon, Study on Heritage Learners
Alarcón, Advanced Heritage Learners, Study
Montrul Study on Heritage Learners
Heritage Language Journal: Heritage Speakers Research
Helping Young Latinos Learn Spanish: http://www.americanlatino.com/heritage-speakers-helping-young-latinos-learn-spanish.html
Spanish for Spanish Speakers: Developing Dual Language Proficiency: http://www.cal.org/resources/digest/spanish_native.html
Teaching Spanish to Native Speakers: http://www.cal.org/sns/
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Not sure of your Spanish level? Take this placement exam.
Free Advisory Placement Exam
http://www4.napavalley.edu/apps/comm.asp?Q=667
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Best Practices for Teaching Spanish to Heritage Speakers
Resources:
http://www.nhlrc.ucla.edu/
http://www.pewhispanic.org/states/
http://www.cal.org/sns/
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/actflsigsns/
http://www.nflc.org/REACH/mainintroen.htm