Literacy and Heritage Language Learning

Abstract

The critical role of literacy not only in the transmission of heritage languages across generations but also for the maintenance of heritage languages within generations is undeniable. Heritage language literacy serves different functions for different individuals and their families in unique ways that (re)connect them with life events that have personal, symbolic, or social relevance. Yet, heritage literacy is often the least developed language skill among heritage language speakers. Because heritage language exposure and use are often situated in the home, emphasis in most families is on oral language to fulfill daily communication needs rather than on literacy skills. Moreover, children from families where the parents may not be literate or from cultural backgrounds with strong oral traditions tend to have minimal to no opportunities to develop their heritage literacy skills. Although literacy skills are built upon oral proficiency, purposeful instruction that focuses on literacy is a necessary condition for development. There are limited, but promising educational models such as dual language immersion programs and heritage language community schools as well as broader access to heritage language textual resources via the internet that can support heritage literacy development. However, our understanding of how to effectively foster literacy development for the different profiles of heritage language speakers is still limited. This entry discusses the role of literacy in the learning and maintenance of heritage languages and examines the challenges and the necessary support systems for heritage literacy development, raising awareness for the need for more systematic approaches to heritage literacy education.