Perspectives on heritage sign language acquisition and maintenance

Area of Science:

• Linguistics
• Sociolinguistics
• Heritage Language Studies

Background:

• Heritage sign languages are vital linguistic and cultural assets.
• Understanding the perspectives of heritage signers and teachers is crucial for effective language transmission.
• Spain has a unique context for heritage sign language education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore perspectives on heritage sign language acquisition and maintenance in Spain.
• To investigate how these perspectives influence the use of heritage sign languages.
• To identify challenges and insights in heritage sign language education.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research employing an interpretive approach.
• Thematic analysis of data from 22 semi-structured interviews.
• Participants included Children of Deaf Adults (CODA) and deaf Spanish sign language teachers.

Main Results:

• A significant contrast exists between heritage signers' linguistic/communicative skills and standard sign language course varieties.
• This disparity creates challenges for both heritage signers and their instructors.
• The study highlights the complexities in teaching and valuing heritage sign languages.

Conclusions:

• Heritage sign language education requires tailored approaches that acknowledge existing competencies.
• Further research is needed on the transmission and valorization of sign languages as heritage languages.
• The findings offer insights into the unique dynamics of heritage sign language maintenance.