Abstract :
Researchers have not reached a consensus about a precise, scientific definition
of a heritage language (HL) learner (Wiley & Vald´es, 2000). In North
America, the term heritage language has been used to refer to an immigrant,
indigenous, or ancestral language that a speaker has a personal relevance and
desire to (re)connect with (Cummins, 2005; Fishman, 2001; Wiley, 2001). The
term has been used synonymously with community language, native language,
and mother tongue to refer to a language other than English used by immigrants
and their children. In addition, HL students have been referred to as
native speakers, quasi-native speakers, residual speakers, bilingual speakers, and
home-background speakers (Vald´es, 1997).
