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Journal

Bilingual Research Journal

The Journal of the National Association for Bilingual Education

Volume 24, 2000 - Issue 4: Special Issue: Heritage Language Instruction in the United States

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Original Articles

The Role of Heritage Language in Social Interactions and Relationships: Reflections from a Language Minority Group

Pages 369-384
Published online: 22 Nov 2010
 
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This article examines the experiences of one language minority group in regard to the effects of their home or “heritage” language (HL) competence. The results indicated that competence with one's HL has an effect on social interactions, relationships with HL speakers of their ethnic minority group, and the individuals themselves. Having developed one's HL, in addition to English, has a number of sociocultural advantages, as well as personal and societal benefits. Those who have developed their HL have a strong ethnic identity, are strongly connected to their ethnic group, and have greater understanding and knowledge of cultural values, ethics, and manners; this further enhances their interactions with HL speakers. Moreover, HL development is shown to provide a personal gain, eventually contributing positively to the betterment of the society. The results are discussed here, and implications are presented for heritage language education.