ISU Launches Spanish for Heritage Speakers and a Foreign Language Vertical Credit System

This marks the inaugural offering of the course at ISU, with the objective of providing support to bilingual students who were raised speaking both Spanish and English or who have a personal, familial, or profound connection to Hispanic cultures, identities, and the Spanish language.

A heritage speaker occupies a unique position between two distinct linguistic and cultural worlds: “Latin America or Spain and the United States,” says Villalobos Graillet. “Heritage speakers utilize both English and Spanish and may interweave them when they speak. Heritage speakers are individuals who were born in the United States or immigrated at a younger age and speak both Spanish and English in their households or communities.”

One of ISU’s strategic objectives is to become a Hispanic-serving institution, in alignment with its increasingly diverse student body, which includes a significant proportion of Latinx, Hispanic, and Mexican students. This course is dedicated to the examination of the distinctive identities and linguistic capabilities of individuals who have acquired their language skills through a heritage language. It encourages the utilization of Spanglish as a legitimate mode of communication and cultural expression.

The course, designed by Professor Villalobos Graillet for the forthcoming fall term, will provide students with the opportunity to develop their language proficiency in Spanish and, above all, their intercultural communication skills. As part of the course curriculum, students are expected to participate in cultural events such as the Hispanic Film Festival, which will be held during National Hispanic American Heritage Month at ISU, and a Virtual Language Exchange or e-tandem in Spanish-English with students from a Hispanic university. The course will be offered in both an in-person and an online format to reach a wide range of students.

What distinguishes this heritage-speaking course from traditional language courses? Professor Villalobos Graillet states that the heritage course will be more focused on students’ identities and the study of Spanish as it is used in the U.S. context. Furthermore, Villalobos Graillet emphasizes that the course will cultivate an inclusive and diverse learning environment, offering students a chance to enhance their linguistic abilities, particularly in oral and written expression, while also deepening their cultural knowledge and experiences.

“It is imperative that students are encouraged to embrace their bilingual identity and feel confident in expressing themselves in a bilingual manner, including the use of Spanglish,” Villalobos Graillet says. “Spanglish is a variety of both English and Spanish. It represents their culture. The cultural aspect is a prominent feature of this course, allowing students to forge a connection with their heritage and their own cultural identity.”

Yasmin Gonzalez-Vega, Hispanic Awareness Leadership Organization (HALO) President says that she believes the course will help native Spanish speakers to be more confident and efficient in reading and writing Spanish, will offer students educational opportunities and resources for heritage speakers within the community, and will empower students to use their language skill in a professional and academic setting. 

(HALO) is an organization that aims to broaden students' perspectives and promote cultural awareness. The organization hosts cultural events such as baile night, providing opportunities for students to learn about different cultures and participate in cultural activities. Gonzalez-Vega says, “Halo takes pride in organizing inclusive events that celebrate our vibrant culture including food and music.” 

The Spanish for Heritage Speakers course will be first offered in the fall of 2024 as a 200-level course, equivalent to Intermediate Spanish I. This course fulfills both graduation requirements and general education objectives for Objective 4. The department has implemented a vertical credit system for foreign language classes at ISU. Students may earn up to eight credits (equivalent to one full year of language credits) without having to complete all the requisite courses. Students may enroll in the heritage course and receive credit for Spanish 1101 and 1102 at a minimal cost. For instance, students who achieve a grade of B minus or higher in Spanish 2221 may receive credit for 1101 and 1102 courses for a fee of $20. 

“This allows heritage students to get a leg-up on their education using skills they already have in place,” Professor Jasun Carr, former Chair of the Department of Global Studies and Languages and creator of the Spanish for Heritage Speakers course says. “The heritage language class is placed so that students who have core language skills can take the course and be 12 credits toward graduation and closer to a degree than they otherwise would have been.”

At the moment, only College of Southern Idaho offers a heritage language course. A number of other programs are looking at implementing these types of courses because it’s such a need in our communities. 

“There was a long time when this wasn’t supported or understood,” says College of Arts and Letters Dean, Kandi Turley Ames. “It helps us serve the communities in our region, increase our high school go-on rate, and provide access to many career opportunities.”

Jose Eduardo's background is of Mexican-Canadian heritage. He has provided instruction in the Spanish language for academic purposes on an international basis in Mexico and Spain. In Canada, he has taught courses on Spanish and Latin American (including Brazil) literature and cultures.

“I am drawn to ISU because it offers a wealth of possibilities for developing courses that align with the diverse needs of the student population. I am delighted to have this opportunity. You are cordially invited to attend my class. The course will facilitate the development of your skills. Such an experience will facilitate an enhanced sense of cultural and personal identity. It is acceptable to possess two distinct identities, multiple identities, and utilize a Spanglish-like linguistic style.”

Interested students may contact the Department of Anthropology and Languages to determine readiness for this course. David Heath, senior lecturer, and Tamra Bassett, senior lecturer and lower division Spanish language coordinator, have developed a placement tool. Should you require assistance in determining which course is most suited to your needs, you may contact any of the language faculty members or academic advisors. You may also reach out to anthropology@isu.edu or call (208) 282-2629. Those interested in the Spanish for Heritage Speakers course are encouraged to contact Dr. Jose Eduardo Villalobos Graillet at josevillalobosgra@isu.edu.