A heritage student, also known as a heritage language learner, refers to an individual who has a personal or familial connection to a particular language or cultural background. Heritage students typically have some level of proficiency or familiarity with the language due to exposure within their family, community, or cultural upbringing, but may not be fully fluent or literate in the language.

Key characteristics of heritage students include:

• Cultural background: Heritage students have a cultural background or heritage associated with a particular language or ethnic group. This may include individuals who were born into a family where the heritage language is spoken, or those who have familial ties to a specific cultural community.

• Exposure to the language: Heritage students have been exposed to the heritage language from an early age through interactions with family members, relatives, or community members who speak the language. They may have heard the language spoken at home, during family gatherings, or within their cultural community.

• Proficiency level: Heritage students typically have varying levels of proficiency in the heritage language, ranging from basic conversational skills to more advanced levels of fluency. Their proficiency may be influenced by factors such as the extent of their exposure to the language, their level of language use in daily life, and opportunities for formal instruction or education in the language.

• Cultural identity: Heritage students often have a strong sense of cultural identity and connection to their heritage language and culture. The heritage language may play a significant role in shaping their cultural identity, sense of belonging, and connections to their cultural roots.

• Language maintenance and development: Heritage students may seek opportunities to maintain, develop, or improve their proficiency in the heritage language, particularly if they wish to preserve their cultural heritage, communicate with family members, or engage with their cultural community. They may participate in language classes, cultural events, or other activities to support their language learning goals.

• Challenges and opportunities: Heritage students may face challenges in maintaining or developing proficiency in the heritage language, particularly if they are exposed to other languages or cultural influences in their environment. However, they also have unique opportunities to leverage their existing linguistic and cultural knowledge as a foundation for further language learning and cultural exploration.

Overall, heritage students represent a diverse and dynamic population with rich linguistic and cultural backgrounds, contributing to the multicultural fabric of societies and communities around the world. Efforts to support heritage language learning and preservation can help individuals maintain their cultural heritage, foster intergenerational connections, and promote linguistic diversity and inclusivity.