Curriculum Development for Advancing Heritage Language Competence: Recent Research, Current Practices, and a Future Agenda

Abstract

In the last few decades, research on teaching heritage language (HL) learners has expanded enormously and encouraged language professionals to work toward responsible curriculum development for this specific type of learners. This article suggests ways to expand current curriculum research and practices with the goal of advancing the HL competence of learners. To this end, this article examines the scope, trends, and issues in recent theoretical and practical studies concerning curriculum development for HL learners from various language backgrounds, especially those in the United States. A definition of HL learners is presented first, which is followed by a discussion of general second language curriculum development frameworks with specific reference to HL instruction. Then, the article examines the contexts, challenges, and possibilities for teaching HLs to school-age children in precollegiate programs. Next, it turns to a discussion of issues and recommendations for teaching postsecondary HL students. The article concludes by discussing curricular and pedagogical recommendations for HL professionals as well as a future research agenda that could promote the advancement of HL competence in all educational institutions.