"In the United States, languages other than English are often thought of and referred to as 'foreign' languages. However, many people who live in the United States have cultural connections to and know languages other than English. These languages are not 'foreign' to particular individuals or communities; instead, they are familiarin a variety of ways. Some people may be able to speak, read, and write the language; others may only speak or understand when spoken to. Some may not understand the language but are part of a family or community where the language is spoken. The term 'heritage' language can be used to describe any of these connections between a non-dominant language and a person, a family, or a community."
