Chicago professor enlightens audience about heritage language speakers at WKU’s Hatcher Lecture Series

Introducing the Speaker

On March 15, Kim Potowski, a profound Spanish linguistics professor from the University of Illinois in Chicago, brilliantly addressed the gathering at the Hatcher Modern Languages Lecture Series. She took this platform to discuss an essential issue in the linguistic ecosystem – the intermingling of heritage Spanish speakers and non-native Spanish speakers.

Understanding ‘Heritage Language Speakers’

Potowski’s intriguing lecture focused on the question, “When you’ve got heritage speakers mixed with second language learners in a classroom, what can they learn from each other?” She offered an excellent interpretation of heritage language speakers. She described them as students who have predominantly learned a second language from home, usually conversing with their immigrant parents or extended family members.

Prof. Potowoski’s Key Messages

Her address to a room filled primarily with second language learners was centered around three primary assumptions. First, she urged the attendees not to consider the heritage speakers to be in class for an easy score. Secondly, she asked not to assume that these speakers would be familiar with all grammatical terminologies. Lastly, she appealed not to let anyone misinterpret the way these speakers conversed to be incorrect.

The Perspective of Attendees

Attendees were intrigued and had different perspectives on the lecture. Alexa Garcia, a biology and Spanish double major in attendance, appreciated the insights provided by Potowski. It broadened her understanding and appreciation of the Spanish language’s impact.

On the other hand, Graycee West, a communication sciences & disorders and Spanish double-major, attended the lecture with hopes of learning more about language barriers. She believes that it is crucial to understand and communicate with diverse people in America, often referred to as a melting pot.

Reflecting upon personal experiences, Garcia, whose father hails from Mexico, expressed her desire to alleviate the existing communication gaps in her family.

The Importance of Multilingual Proficiency

Alexander Poole, chair of the modern languages department and professor of English, emphasized on the significance of being bilingual, especially in our rapidly globalizing world. He states, “Our world is changing for economic reasons, national security. We need bilingual people. That’s non-negotiable.”

Looking Forward

Conversations about heritage language speakers are crucial as they discuss the dynamics of language learning and cultural diversity. These discussions also contribute to addressing and resolving linguistic boundaries that impede social and professional interactions.