The University of Florida’s Spanish Heritage Language Program, housed within the Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies, is proud to offer courses specifically designed to meet the needs and interests of Spanish heritage speakers/heritage language learners. These courses satisfy the College of Liberal Arts Language requirement.
Are you a Heritage Speaker/Heritage Language Learner?
Heritage Language Learners are students who grew up surrounded by the Spanish language and culture, even if they feel more comfortable speaking English. Exposure to the heritage language typically takes place in the home environment, but can also take place through the community or time spent in a Spanish-speaking country. Because of these varied experiences, heritage speakers make up a very heterogeneous group; some feel comfortable using the heritage language in different contexts, while others may experience some insecurities, particularly using the language in formal contexts. It is our main goal to help students develop a critical appreciation of their cultural and linguistic heritage while working to improve their language skills.
At UF, our approach to the notion of “heritage” in this context is one that stresses a living heritage, as opposed to a “hand-me-down”. Our definition is therefore not that of a dormant aspect that needs be brought back, but one that is dynamic, it is present, and it is future.
If you are unsure if you are a heritage speaker, ask yourself the following two questions:
- Did you grow up speaking and/or listening Spanish at home?
- Would you say that the Spanish language and the culture are an important part of who YOU are?
If the answer to these questions is positive, then you may very well be a heritage speaker. We encourage you to consider taking classes with us.
Please know that you can take classes with us even if you are not planning on minoring/majoring in Spanish. Each of these courses satisfy the College of Liberal Arts Language requirement. We would love to have the opportunity to talk to you further about our classes and our program.
Why take classes with us?
Because of their experiences growing up, unlike traditional second language learners, heritage language learners tend to have a very strong connection to their home language and culture, and this is the point of departure in our program.
Unlike popular belief, our classes are not harder, nor are they more advanced than traditional Spanish language classes; they are simply different. In fact, because of our critical approach to teaching language and to understanding bilingualism, students enjoy these classes very much.
Our mission
Our ultimate goal is to provide a supportive and effective learning environment that, not only considers the bilingual/bicultural background of our diverse student body, but also fosters and encourages its appreciation and development. We hope to meet UF students’ specific needs by critically exploring topics related to their own sociolinguistic/cultural/historical (etc.) backgrounds and by offering exciting learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. To this end, we offer four core courses, from beginner to advance. You will start at the level that best suits your needs! These courses satisfy the College of Liberal Arts Language requirement.
You can take these courses even if you are not planning to get a minor or a major in Spanish.
We offer the following courses in the program
SPN 1601 – Accelerated Review for Spanish Heritage Speakers
A beginner’s level course for Spanish Heritage speakers who grew up exposed to the language but do not feel comfortable actively using it for communication. The course emphasizes practice in oral interaction in a positive and culturally rich environment. It also introduces basic writing and reading skills. It includes materials specifically developed for this level and for our educational context, which will help the student move onto the next level of Spanish in our program. There are no prerequisites. Students will be placed at this level after consultation with the program’s coordinator.
SPN2340 – Introduction to Reading and Writing for Spanish Heritage Speakers
An intermediate-level course for Spanish Heritage Speaker who had little or no formal exposure to the language. The course emphasizes practice in reading and developing vocabulary and introduces grammar and orthographic rules. Includes selected literary readings from Hispanic/Latino and Spanish or Spanish-American writers. Credits: 3. Required of all majors and minors who are Spanish Heritage Speakers. Prerequisite: (students may place out of this level and start at a higher level).
SPN3350 – Spanish Grammar and Composition for Spanish Heritage Speakers
Emphasizes the normative aspects of the language and grammar that are problematic for students who have learned the language through extended exposure outside the classroom. Develops vocabulary, style and ability to use different levels of language. This course is a prerequisite for most 3000/4000-level Spanish courses. Prerequisite: placement test administered by the department, departmental permission, or SPN 2340 with a minimum grade of B.
SPN4314 – Advanced Composition and Syntax for Spanish Heritage Speakers
Emphasizes aspects of Spanish style, syntax and registers. Some formal training in the language is expected (SPN 3350 or equivalent in a Spanish-speaking country). Prospective students must take a department placement test. Credits: 3. Prerequisite: SPN 3350 with minimum grade of B or placement test administered by the department.
Please note that you will not be able to register for classes until you have taken the placement test. If you have any questions about the program, placement, requirements and/or registration please contact Dr. Víctor Jordán-Orozco, the program’s coordinator.