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American Association for Applied Linguistics Conference

Panel Introduction

Heritage Language Learners as Language Learners: A Quest for Theory

The panel discussion was held at the 2008 American Association for Applied Linguistics Conference in Washington, D.C. on April 1.

The panel sought to answer the following questions:

  1. Are there theoretical models that could adequately explain heritage language acquisition?
  2. Which models can inform curriculum development for heritage learners?
  3. What is the role of formal instruction in developing heritage learners' language competencies?

While the questions were not answered directly, the panelists shed light on the theoretical foundation of teaching and learning heritage languages.

At the panel attendees' request we are posting the PowerPoint presentations on the Web site.

We are also posting some excerpts from Guadalupe Valdés's comments, which she submitted in writing.