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The Alliance for the Advancement of Heritage Languages the Alliance consists of individuals and organizations dedicated to the preservation of heritage languages for cultural, social, educational, economic and national security purposes. The Alliance is committed to working together to enable heritage language speakers to attain high proficiency in their heritage languages while also developing English literacy. The Alliance is hosted by the Center for Applied Linguistics in Washington DC, and is collecting profiles of heritage language programs in K and community-based settings.

They are particularly hoping to enhance the number of LCTLs represented in that database, so as to have a more complete network in which ideas regarding heritage language programs are exchanged and strengthened. Please learn more about the work of the Heritage Alliance www. You can contact us regarding questions or suggestions related to heritage education or the work of the Alliance through email: Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Sunday, August 26, Reaction to "Who is a Latino". Well, that's why they call them opinion pieces In addition to a number of positive responses, I also received one very negative reaction to my "Who is a Latino" piece, by someone who felt I oversimplified the issue, disrespected the reality of the Latino experience, and basically "Disney-fied" being Latino. I can see the author's point, and obviously, generalizations about any culture can never be fully true. But I do enjoy, and observe, and write about my personal experiences in those cultures and what they mean to me.

My experience in Spanish is different from my experience in English — and yes, I enjoy what I call the Latinidad of that — and my experience in Italian is also quite different. One of my goals, through my writing and my work, is to counteract the negativity against other languages and cultures in this country which has always existed, and is escalating alarmingly now. I try to do that by putting out positive messages that celebrate the contributions of all languages and cultures here.


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I am the grandchild of immigrants who had all of their language and culture boiled away by the melting pot … the language disappeared, and only a few cultural traditions remained in my family, that consisted of a few recipes and not much more. There's a great loss for our country in terms of our linguistic and cross-cultural expertise very important for our future in the global market , and a huge loss for our society, which is so enriched by our combination of heritages Many heritage language learners, including myself, have gone back to try to find the piece of their identity or soul that was lost in that process.

So I will continue to write it as I see it, and as I experience it. Posted by Ruth Kunstadter at 1: Wednesday, August 22, Ich bin ein Latino! I have a new catchphrase that I am going to start spreading around: Kind of like JFK showing his solidarity for Berlin, or that story about the King of Denmark making everyone wear a yellow star of David to thwart the Nazis As I note in that essay — and as my new catchphrase reaffirms — we could all use a little Latinidad. Posted by Ruth Kunstadter at 2: Who is a Latino? Law actress Michele Greene. Wonder Woman Lynda Carter.

Baseball legend Ted Williams. New Mexico Governor — and presidential candidate — Bill Richardson. What do these individuals have in common? Their American-sounding last names — and their Latino cultural heritage. I call them "Latinos incognitos," because at first glance, they might not easily be recognized as Hispanic. With Anglo fathers and Latina mothers, the institution of marriage automatically hid the Latino heritage of all these individuals — at least on paper. So are they really Latinos? The reality, of course, is that Bill Richardson is Latino, and he is Anglo.

The two cultures are not mutually exclusive — although they are often treated as such.


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  7. Our society does not easily accept the middle ground between two heritages. On official forms, as in life, bicultural Latinos are pressured to choose. And inevitably, they will receive criticism for their choices. Even Latinos with two Latino parents can have their Latinidad challenged.

    But who is a Latino, anyway? Is it someone who is born in this country, a descendant of the original Spanish settlers? Is a Latino someone whose family immigrated from a Spanish-speaking country and created a home here? Can you be a Latino without a Hispanic name? Without a direct connection to your heritage? What makes someone a Latino? The reverse, however, can be true — you can start to feel Latino just by speaking Spanish.

    There is something in the sound of the language, the words themselves, that bring Latinidad to those who choose to celebrate its beauty, its richness, and its innate poetry. Those who learn Spanish in order to bark orders at employees or simply to fulfill a foreign language requirement are not likely to feel it, though. Here, intention is everything. To me, being a Latino is more than just a language or a last name, or even what country you came from or can trace your roots to. Being a Latino is about a feeling, an attitude, a connection to life and culture and family and music, and a desire to experience it all to its fullest.

    And to me, being a Latino means living life with sabor, and taking the time to appreciate and enjoy everything — and everyone — that makes life worth living. And we can all use a little bit of that Latinidad. Well, the magazine is out, and I'm quoted in it We spoke at length, and it was a shame that the feature she was writing could only be words!

    The article is concise and well written, but I would like to add a few tips that we had discussed. And these points are equally valid for Spanish teachers or for anyone who wants to learn or improve their Spanish. Start as early as you can Yes, I said in the article only half-jokingly! I am proof of that - I didn't start learning Spanish until high school, and I now speak with near-native fluency.

    And I am still learning and improving every day. Anyone can learn at any age. Of course, it's easier for young children, but don't let that stop you if they - and you! Being an older learner has its own advantages. So yes, start as early as you can Create a language-rich environment in your home - and don't forget your community Family, friends, games, music, books, culturally authentic television shows and videos Try a game with post-it notes - write the names of household objects and label things around the house watch out for el gato , though!

    And don't forget your community!

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    Of course, it's great to take the kids back to a Spanish-speaking country, if you can Make Spanish fun for yourself and your child. Tie learning to an interest that your child has, or that you and your kids have in common. Do you like cooking? Do it in Spanish! Nancy Marmolejo created a fun game with her young daughter, where they each have a Spanish "persona", and when they're in character, they can only speak Spanish. Remember, the key to any learning is motivation. If it's fun, they're motivated. If it's done in a way that produces stress, then the brain goes into defensive mode, and cannot absorb new information it's called the affective filter, and I won't bore you with the details, but it is one thing I remember from all those educational theory classes I took, and the one I most agree with.

    I think it can be counterproductive to force the issue and make children respond in Spanish when they're not ready to do so. Trust that if you are providing as much exposure as you can, the kids are absorbing the language — and eventually they will produce it on their own sometimes when you least expect it! Be proud of sharing your language and heritage with your child, and don't beat yourself up if they're not perfectly bilingual yet! It's common for bilingual children to respond to their parents in English.

    Some parents may feel discouraged by this. Rest assured that if they are responding to you, they understand you - and that means the language is programmed into their minds. When they need it and are motivated, they will find a way to use it. The Chispa Spanish thematic units I'm creating are designed to provide maximum exposure, make learning fun, and highlight Latino culture and heritage at the same time.

    And just as I tell teachers, "These are not babysitting videos" — i. These are active learning tools, with accompanying enrichment activities for parents and children to enjoy together. I wondered how many other Spanish-speakers or speakers of any language, really had received similar treatment, so I put out a call on the Las Comadres New York network.

    Here is a sampling of some of the responses I received: I have to say that in my case, I've got all kinds of looks when I speak Spanish - some good, but most bad, especially from very ignorant Americans. I am a blond, blue eyed woman who gets very good reception until I open my mouth, and then I get the " you don't look Spanish" or "What language is that?

    I think that they cannot believe a very American looking woman can be Spanish and be proud of it. Adversion to Spanish speaker is not a new issue, especially on the West Coast. I am in my early 40's, second generation on my father's side, third generation mother's side, we were discouraged in a socially condoned approach as were many before me. I am Mexican, Spanish, Native American - both my parents were bilingual.

    I have written stories unpublished about my experiences growing up being told not to speak Spanish. The other people at the community service complained and the organizers there told us that we should not speak spanish anymore. What happened to freedom of speech?

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    In the midst of "friends", when I have spoken in Spanish, non-Spanish speakers have said "that's rude". I just keep on speaking in Spanish. It is my language and if the more languages we know.. I'm so glad you are writing this piece. Secondly, look at the classroom statistics and think about how many other people were offended besides me. I was extremely offended to the point that look how many years have passed and it still bugs me. I wish I would have said something then! I have been chided and have also chided close relatives for speaking Spanish.

    The situation is the same, usually. My mother used to reprimand me for speaking Spanish when we were in English-speaking company that didn't understand.

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    She found it rude. At first I was offended but why? Spanish is our language!! I found myself doing the same to my husband recently when he started a side conversation already rude in Spanish with me while we were in company that spoke only English ruder. I think you have to look at people's intentions when incidents like this happen. We're all doing the best we can and sometimes the question is one of education or misinformation.

    Perhaps I worry too much about seeming rude to others, but I would rather speak plainly to a family member or close friend than come across as anything less than being clear, comprehensible, and present in the company I might be keeping. We were alway told NOT to ever speak Spanish at school. We were told this by the teachers and administrators. One afternoon while I was playing in the school yard during recess They were speaking spanish and having fun.

    In a moment that I will never forget, a teacher strides over to them and grabs on girl by the arm and slaps her in the face. Everyone on the school yard was stunned. The teacher dragged both of the girls off yelling at them that they are NOT to speak spanish on the school grounds. I felt so bad because I spoke spanish to my grandparents Just after that incident. I was, in my mother's place, going to Delaware to my Aunt's wedding.

    On that trip, travelling through the south, I noticed people looking at my Aunt Yolanda a bit different. But what happened next is very telling. We went to Washington DC and saw all of the monuments I was in heaven, so I thought. But at one point I said I had to go to the ladies room. I went into the stall, I then heard my grandmother ask in Spanish if I was hungry. I answered her in English that I was.

    She then asked me again in Spanish what I wanted to eat.. I answered her in English that I'd like a hamburger. When I walked out of the stall I said to her that I was speaking in English because we're in the United States. She tightened her grip on me and said to me "Don't you ever feel ashamed of who you are, where your family comes from.

    You speak two languages. Most people can't even speak one! Never be ashamed of who you are and where you come from! Be proud of your history". I heard her loud and clear. My ability to speak spanish has helped me in my career. I feel I should have been paid more for being bi-lingual. I think that is still an issue. I don't know if this is anywhere near what you were really needing Cuando estabamos afuera de los "dorms", algunos chicos gritaban: I can very definitely say that this type of attitude is the reason I grew up speaking only English, even though all four of my grandparents were immigrants.

    The sad thing is, my grandparents immigrated here years ago. How is it possible that these attitudes are still the same, one century later? And yes, as one writer notes, many heritage language learners are on a search to recapture a part of their soul that was lost, when these languages disappeared. In my op-ed, I'm writing about how these language capabilities are so necessary to our future economic and political strength as a nation.

    What I didn't add, but will in a future article, is how this country's soul is in danger as well. There's so much more to write on this subject Posted by Ruth Kunstadter at 7: Tuesday, July 31, The British are coming In fact, I may still do that — especially since my emphasis is always on teaching Spanish through Latino culture and heritage in the US, and celebrating the people and resources we have here , instead of always treating Spanish as a "foreign" language.

    In the meantime, I will be following their progress, and wishing them buen viaje y buena suerte Posted by Ruth Kunstadter at 4: Monday, July 16, Best Educational Blog!

    Rinrín Renacuajo

    La Tertulia was nominated for Best Educational Blog! OK, I did originally nominate myself a month or so ago, but then last week I actually got an email from Blogger's Choice Awards saying that I had been nominated independently. So that seems more official, which is nice Vote for me here!

    Let's show Blogger's Choice awards that people care about the Spanish language and Latino cultures If we show enough interest, hopefully by next year they will! The stadium shook as the passionate crowd seemed to unite in one resounding voice at the Copa America soccer match in Maracaibo, Venezuela two weeks ago. Kindle Edition , 38 pages.

    To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. Lists with This Book. This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Vanessa Mariposa rated it it was amazing Mar 09, Paulina Otalora rated it it was amazing Jan 25, Sandra rated it liked it Jan 26, Ivan rated it it was amazing Mar 05, Reina Malo marked it as to-read Oct 19, The verb drills cover regular, irregular, stem-changing and reflexive verbs in 13 different forms or tenses.

    Teacher's Discovery 14 Pages, Grades 5 - 12 Regular: Alphabet activities to keep your classroom lively. Este libro involucra a sus lectores desde un enfoque con base en la realidad, pero de una manera suave y reconfortante. Cover months and seasons with fun activities. Spanish Internet Scavenger Hunt Download. Teacher's Discovery Pages, Grades 5 - 9 Regular: Students will love to race and finish these Internet scavenger hunts! A smorgasbord of questions, all in English, cover multiple topics about the Hispanic world. After the race, students use the knowledge they gained to complete a cultural mini-project on that topic.

    Updated to include mini-projects, puzzles and games for added reinforcement. A complete lesson on making inroductions in Spanish. Teach students to introduce themselves and someone else!