What Is a Heritage Language & Why Is It Important to Learn?
Every language is a communication method. But some are much more than that. Many languages are also unbreakable bonds to national identity, belonging, and history. For tens of millions of people across the world, those bonds are expressed through heritage languages, a language tied to family roots but not always fully developed through formal education and professional communication.
Understanding what a heritage language is helps explain why so many people feel a deep emotional pull towards a learning language they may not speak fluently, but consider part of their identity.
For language learners, knowing more about their heritage language adds meaningful linguistic knowledge to their existing cultural context. Pimsleur® can help with all your language learning goals. Using the Pimsleur Method™ as the basis of your education, you’ll be able to fill in all the gaps in your heritage language so you can focus on connection and culture, rather than worrying about communication.
Definition of a Heritage Language
OK, what is a heritage language in practical, everyday terms?
Here’s a simple definition of a heritage language: it’s a language spoken at home or within a community that is different from the dominant language of the wider society. Think of heritage languages as personal, and an “official” language as professional. Heritage language learners in the United States, for example, may speak Polish, Spanish, Mandarin, or Arabic at home, while using English outside the home.
In contrast to foreign languages learned in a classroom, a heritage language is more intimate; it’s tied to family lore and traditions, food, personal stories, and shared memories.
Every heritage language across the world represents a unique cultural thread, and those bonds strengthen local communities and families with a sense of pride and belonging. Another way to think of heritage languages is that they’re the “comfort food” of spoken communication.
Heritage Speaker vs Native Speaker: What’s the Difference?
A native speaker acquires a language from birth and covers all the bases – speaking, listening, reading, and writing – while also using that language across the broader community.
On the other hand, a heritage language speaker has early exposure but limited development. They might speak conversationally with family members or friends, but lack robust skills across some or all key language areas – speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, pronunciation.
Simply put, heritage speakers don’t have all the pieces to the language puzzle that native speakers tend to have. However, don’t think of one type of speaker as superior; they simply have different language knowledge.
Who Are Heritage Language Learners?
Let’s zoom in on the profile of someone who might want to fully learn their heritage language.
A typical person acquiring a heritage language might:
- Speak it every now and then, but lack writing or reading ability
- Comprehend the language on some level, but not be able to speak it fluently
- Use the language informally, but avoid using it in professional or academic settings
The main difference between heritage language learners and traditional second-language learners is that they hear the language at home, which offers an advantage with speaking elements like oral comprehension and pronunciation. But these learners also navigate the nuances of heritage speaker vs native speaker expectations. Since many heritage language learners are not fluent, they might be seeking fluency in order to communicate and connect with native speaking relatives.
Deciding to acquire a heritage language involves many factors, and here are a few that learners frequently mention:
- Family, culture, connection. Heritage languages are often acquired later in life. The decision involves practical matters like travel or reconnecting with family. A stronger sense of cultural identity is also an important consideration.
- A desire to “make up for lost time.” Many learners regret not learning their heritage language earlier. A common theme is that they had exposure growing up, but didn’t actively use the language until much later. In particular, actually speaking the language was often neglected, which could have helped speed up the learning process.
- They’re prepared with a language learning program now. Structured learning beats informal exposure when it comes to mastering all aspects of a language. Bottom line: having a proven learning tool at your disposal (like the Pimsleur app in your pocket) helps learners acquire their heritage languages.
- They’re ready to commit. Slow and steady wins the race. Small yet meaningful daily habits (reading, listening, speaking), paired with long-term goals like fluency or conversational competence, help provide a solid structure to build linguistic knowledge.
Common Challenges Heritage Language Learners Face
Heritage language learners often face the following hurdles:
- Limited formal education. Many have never studied the language in a structured way, which can lead to gaps in grammar or literacy.
- Mixed language environments. Switching between languages when one language is used in a limited capacity can make it harder to fully develop a heritage language.
- Confidence issues. Because they may not speak “perfectly,” learners sometimes feel embarrassed or hesitant to use the language.
- External expectations. People may assume fluency based on a person’s background, which can create pressure and frustration for a heritage language learner.
While these are challenges, they shouldn’t discourage heritage language learners. There are plenty of benefits to learning your heritage language.
Benefits of Learning or Maintaining a Heritage Language
Aside from the obvious communication benefits, learning a heritage language provides:
- Cultural identity and belonging. Heritage languages help you connect with history, traditions, stories, and values that forge your personal identity.
- Stronger family connections. Language is important for deeper relationships with fellow heritage language speakers and family members who are native speakers. Extending your knowledge of a language helps foster a sense of family pride and heritage. Without it, communication can feel limited or shallow with parents, grandparents, and extended family.
- Cognitive and academic advantages. While heritage languages aren’t necessarily used in the learner’s academic or professional setting, being a heritage language learner still has its benefits. Learning a language bolsters memory, improves problem-solving skills, and adds mental flexibility.
Ultimately, understanding the definition of heritage language helps highlight why preserving it is not just a personal choice, but a worthwhile investment in your family and yourself.
If you grew up with a heritage language and want to fill in the gaps in your learning for any number of reasons, Pimsleur is the perfect place to start. Get started today with a Premium or All Access subscription!