Zavičajni jezik kao medijum kulture

Abstract

In this paper, we tried to clarify some of the issues concerning 'heritage language' and to present the numerous challenges that educators face in their teaching practices. Heritage students do not differ from foreign language students only in their language competences, but also in the motivation and desire to master a heritage language. Many scholars highlight the psychological aspect - "hybrid nationality" and "intercultural burden" (Kagan 2012:72), that can only be overcome with a positive approach to cultural heritage. Establishing a connection with the culture of one's ancestors is one of the basic motivations for learning a heritage language. Therefore, heritage language is the true medium of culture, much more than learning other languages which are treated as foreign. The communication aspect is important but it is not the only reason why students strive to master it. Apart from a lack of suitable textbooks for teaching Serbian as the heritage language, educators are faced with numerous difficulties starting with the initial testing and placing of students in appropriate groups. In the paper, we tried to explain how we face these challenges with our methodology and materials at the Online School of Serbian Language, Tradition and Culture - "Sava". Our teaching method, which includes a personalised approach, group work, direct contact with pupils and abundance of materials, methodologies and platforms, resulted in many satisfied students who, within a few years of being in a language school start speaking the language, manage to use it comfortably, and most importantly - develop and nurture a positive attitude towards one's own heritage and culture.