Today, as this nation faces a critical shortage of adults with proficiency in languages other than English, we need to pay attention to our own rich linguistic resources, the more than 100 languages spoken in ethnic communities across the country.
This book describes the population of individuals who speak those languages--heritage language speakers. It outlines what needs to be done to help them develop their languages for use in academic and professional arenas. Addressing the challenges described will demand the attention and efforts of all who are involved in language education, research, and policy formation.
Written in clear, non-technical language, this book can be used by heritage community members, heritage and foreign language teachers and administrators, researchers, and policymakers to promote the maintenance and development of the languages in this country. 2001. (327 pp).
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Source: Language, Culture and Curriculum, Vol 15: 2, 2002
Reprinted with permission.