Sociolinguistic competence among heritage speakers of Spanish abroad: Key findings, critical gaps, and contributions to variationist theory
Publication Date
4-20-2021
Document Type
Contribution to a Book
Publication Title
Heritage Speakers of Spanish and Study Abroad
DOI
10.4324/9780429289163-1-3
First Page
13
Last Page
32
Abstract
We connect research on sociolinguistic competence and its development during study abroad to the study of heritage speakers in this learning context. Sociolinguistic competence encompasses all of the mechanisms that speakers use to communicate in situationally appropriate ways. We begin with an overview of sociolinguistic competence, particularly as it develops in various contexts of learning. We then seek to characterize the competence that heritage speakers bring to study abroad, such as knowledge of interactional patterns in a particular interactional context (e.g., at home) and possible access to multiple varieties of Spanish. Our research synthesis informs the agenda that we outline for future research on heritage speakers abroad. We call on previous research to provide models for future investigations of second- and heritage-language learners. We conclude this chapter by discussing the impact that this line of research will have on related pursuits. For example, this research can inform variationist theory and research on bilingualism and social aspects of language use more broadly.
Department
World Languages and Literatures
Recommended Citation
Kimberly Geeslin, Aarnes Gudmestad, Maria Hasler Barker, Matthew Kanwit, Avizia Y. Long, and Megan Solon. "Sociolinguistic competence among heritage speakers of Spanish abroad: Key findings, critical gaps, and contributions to variationist theory" Heritage Speakers of Spanish and Study Abroad (2021): 13-32. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429289163-1-3
