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Divergent Perspectives on Identifying Heritage Speakers: Unraveling the Complex Differences in How Speakers See Themselves and Others.

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Title: Divergent Perspectives on Identifying Heritage Speakers: Unraveling the Complex Differences in How Speakers See Themselves and Others.
Authors: Jung, Caroline1 (AUTHOR), Roberts, Adam Charles2 (AUTHOR), Ixmata Schaaff, Jab'ellalih1 (AUTHOR), Kim, Yoolim1,3 (AUTHOR) ykim6@wellesley.edu
Source: Journal of Language, Identity & Education. Jul/Aug2026, Vol. 25 Issue 4, p1159-1171. 13p.
Subject Terms: *Language ability, *Dominant language, Heritage language speakers, Identity (Psychology), Ethnicity, Korean language
Abstract: This study proposes new considerations in how heritage speakers (HS) are defined. Often, they are defined as speakers of a language associated with their heritage or ethnic identity, but seldom do definitions consider the role of linguistic traits and changing attitudes of the heritage speakers themselves, especially when self-identifying or identifying others as such. We analyze which linguistic traits are most important when (a) self-identifying and (b) identifying others as a heritage speaker of Korean. We find that traits (ranging from type of language input to family circumstances to language dominance and proficiency) are differentially important depending on whether speakers are asked to identify themselves, or others when presented with and asked to identify specific speaker profiles. Our findings reveal that significant predictors for identifying oneself as a heritage speaker are grounded in factors that are fixed (e.g., whether you are born in the United States or if one's first language is Korean or not), fortifying the connection to the "heritage," while significant predictors for identifying others focus more on the ways in which speakers interact with the language (e.g., the language spoken at home or within the ethnic community), emphasizing more being a "speaker" of the language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Education Research Complete
Description
Abstract:This study proposes new considerations in how heritage speakers (HS) are defined. Often, they are defined as speakers of a language associated with their heritage or ethnic identity, but seldom do definitions consider the role of linguistic traits and changing attitudes of the heritage speakers themselves, especially when self-identifying or identifying others as such. We analyze which linguistic traits are most important when (a) self-identifying and (b) identifying others as a heritage speaker of Korean. We find that traits (ranging from type of language input to family circumstances to language dominance and proficiency) are differentially important depending on whether speakers are asked to identify themselves, or others when presented with and asked to identify specific speaker profiles. Our findings reveal that significant predictors for identifying oneself as a heritage speaker are grounded in factors that are fixed (e.g., whether you are born in the United States or if one's first language is Korean or not), fortifying the connection to the "heritage," while significant predictors for identifying others focus more on the ways in which speakers interact with the language (e.g., the language spoken at home or within the ethnic community), emphasizing more being a "speaker" of the language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:15348458
DOI:10.1080/15348458.2025.2466729