Teaching Heritage Languages for Social Justice: Teachers' Role, Qualifications, and Challenges

• In Event: International Perspectives on Education and Social Justice

Abstract

Social justice ensures the full development of each individual, whereby heritage languages (HL) play an essential role. HL education in public schools is a controversial discourse among society, schools, and researchers. However, HL teachers are critical promoters of diversity and democracy, contribute to the integration of children and are important attachment figures. This research answers the question how HL teachers contribute to the promotion of social justice and highlights challenges these teachers are facing. The study has been conducted in public schools in Italy, where HL education is not offered on a comprehensive basis. Multiple case studies in one Italian region and data from semi-structured interviews and participant observations provide new insides in the role, qualifications, and challenges of teachers.

Author

• Barbara Gross, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano