Heritage speakers of Russian : intersectionality, identity, and language learning anxiety

This work discusses the notable contributions from the related fields of foreign language anxiety, heritage language learning, Russian heritage language, and heritage language anxiety studies in order to suggest manners of constructing a more complete and complex profile of Russian heritage language learners. While past research has contributed to the current understanding of heritage language learning and anxiety, there are bounds to be made in understanding the role of identity and anxiety in regard to heritage language learners of Russian, a perspective which is especially pertinent given the intricate linguistic landscape of modern Russia and surrounding countries which complicate ethnic, national, and racial affiliations. This report argues that a greater focus on Russian heritage language learning anxiety, with pointed and intentional consideration of identity and the multiplicity of cross-sections that impact an individual’s access (inhibited or unfettered) to their identified heritage language would substantially add to the presently crafted profile of a Russian heritage speaker