Social Identity of Heritage Speakers

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Date
2017-04-01
Authors
Brodskiy, Maria
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The present study focused on the social identity of heritage speakers (HS) of other languages living in the United States. The purpose was to analyze and interpret common themes among HS of different language backgrounds who may or may not have taken courses for improving their heritage language (HL). Participants volunteered to participate in an online survey adapted with a combination of fill in the blank and interval questions regarding proficiency level in their HL and dominant language (DL). The results of the study suggest similarities across HS of diverse backgrounds. HSs living in the United States typically identified themselves as a mix of both cultures. Participants born in the United States were more likely to identify themselves as having adapted more to American culture. Participants had a positive view of their HL and found that it gave them many opportunities, setting them apart from other students. The results also showed that most HS did not take classes to improve their language abilities despite varying levels of proficiency in their HL.

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