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In:Advances in Spanish as a Heritage Language
Edited by Diego Pascual y Cabo
[Studies in Bilingualism 49] 2016
► pp. 259–280

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Heritage language learning in study abroad

Motivations, identity work, and language development

ORCiD logo with link | Illinois State University
Published online: 20 July 2016
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/sibil.49.14shi
Heritage language (HL) learners who study abroad in a HL-speaking country have the opportunity to engage in social interactions in the HL in a variety of contexts. The handful of existing studies on this topic have examined HL learners’ motivations for studying abroad, as well as their identity construction and HL development during study abroad. While second language (L2) and HL study abroad students share some common experiences, there are also important differences. HL learners may be held to higher standards of cultural and linguistic competency and face negative attitudes toward their HL variety or proficiency level. This chapter reviews the literature on HL learners in study abroad and offers suggestions for future research directions.
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