Russian Heritage Learners’ Goals and Motivation

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the specifics of heritage language learners’ motivation and learning goals and compares it with the motivation of traditional L2 learners. The aspects of heritage learners’ motivation are analyzed through the data received from the learners’ questionnaires and interviews in which the Russian heritage learners reflect on the issues of their cultural identity, their own perception of their heritage language strengths and weaknesses, and their personal goals and motivation in learning the heritage language. The results obtained in the survey point to the prevalent integrative motivation of heritage learners. The chapter also contains curriculum design recommendations for heritage language learners in light of their motivational orientation and long-term language goals.