September 1, 2024
In a collaboration with Utrecht University's Multi-STEM project, HLE Network helped make possible a BA thesis that explores the important role of heritage language education in the Netherlands. The study focusses on the experiences of multilingual families and educators, and it confirms the importance of supporting heritage languages in diverse regions like Eindhoven.
Giving multilingual families and educators a voice
HLE Network partnered with Utrecht University's Multi-STEM to provide guidance and contacts for the BA thesis, which aimed to fill a gap in research in the Netherlands about HL education. The study looked at the motivations behind HL education, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced -- focusing on teachers, caregivers, and children with a migrant background in the Netherlands.
The study was conducted by Isabel Delany and Juliette Martens, who carried out 17 interviews with children, caregivers, and teachers from two HL programs in Eindhoven. We sincerely thank the families and teachers from these programs, as their cooperation has helped bring critical issues into light!
Motivations, challenges, and opportunities
The BA thesis identified main motivations for HL maintenance, such as the desire to communicate with family abroad and the academic benefits of multilingualism. One caregiver shared, "What is important is that the children are involved with their mother tongue and that they feel this is not just something we do at home . . . but that this is actually part of a bigger picture."
Most of the children interviewed said they like their HL program.
It is a common misconception that, "extra school" is a burden to multilingual children. Contrary to this, parents reported that “the children also like [the HL program] a lot and they are always very happy when they come home afterwards -- so they like it a lot.” In fact, most of the children interviewed said they like their HL program!
The research also highlighted challenges related to HL education, including limited support from the Dutch government and fluctuating attendance. One teacher pointed out, “My biggest challenge is the number of students per class, as this changes every time. I prepare a class and then not everyone shows, this makes it difficult.” Increasing awareness and appreciation of HL education to reduce absenteeism and boost enrollment is one of the aims of HLE Network.
Increasing awareness and appreciation of HL education is one of the aims of HLE Network.
Finally, the study identified opportunities for strengthening HL education, particularly through structured HL programs that find a balance between teaching technical aspects of the language and giving a sense of cultural belonging. "It should be fun to come here, and not an obligation," said a teacher, emphasizing the importance of making learning enjoyable.
Confirming the importance of our mission
At HLE Network, we believe that supporting HL education is more than just supporting language learning; it's about preventing unnecessary language loss and boosting children's self-confidence. The findings from this research confirm that mission!
Many thanks to the researchers at the Multi-STEM project, as these results will be helpful as we continue to advocate for heritage language education in the Netherlands. We hope that the findings will inspire further research in the field, about topics selected in collaboration with HL programs.
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