Heritage speaker 傳承語者 (传承语者)

chuánchéng yǔzhě · from English

What is a heritage speaker?

A heritage speaker grew up hearing a family language at home but became dominant in another, often understanding far more than they can speak or read.

Typical heritage speakers have native-like pronunciation and comprehension but gaps in vocabulary, formal registers and literacy. Many children of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese or Filipino families abroad fit this profile. Heritage-language classes target their specific needs.

Examples

An Australian-born Chinese who understands Cantonese but answers in English; a Korean American with perfect accent but limited honorifics

Kungfucius says: Perfect accent, kitchen vocabulary, and a grandmother who expects more.