New this year, French for Heritage Learners aims to provide a community and space for native French speakers to explore their identity, language, culture and heritage. Both the course and French Heritage Club, a community of non-native English speakers with backgrounds in Francophone cultures, are essential parts of the French Heritage Language Program, which received a $30,000 grant in 2024.
The program allows for a culturally rich experience compared to an advanced French class.
“The course allows for a deeper exploration and an experience that is more culturally rooted,” said Principal Dr. Quiana McNeal. “Students’ experiences are part of the curriculum.”
The French for Heritage Learners curriculum embraces students’ backgrounds, building upon their existing language skills and unique perspectives as bilingual speakers. The course focuses on grammar conventions and rules that students might not normally learn from speaking the language at home.
The class also emphasizes the importance of speaking and reading in French. French teacher Kennan Daoudi has taught the French for Heritage Learners class in the past; he views it as an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the French language.
“The goal is to build upon oral comprehension and practice literacy skills such as interpreting texts and writing,” said Daoudi.
According to Daoudi, there is value in having the course taught by a native speaker, a quality that students recognize and value.
“I enjoy being able to dive deeper into the specific cultural practices and products that students bring to class with them and explore them comparatively,” said Daoudi. “I myself am a Heritage speaker as well, so it’s fun.”
French for Heritage Learners deepens students’ understanding of the French language, allowing them to appreciate their culture and roots alongside peers from similar backgrounds.
