Portuguese language programs in New England: Maintenance and diversification

Abstract The present study outlines the current Portuguese language offerings in select New England universities and colleges vis-à-vis a call for more specialized heritage learner programs in Portuguese. Building on and garnering theoretical support from more established heritage language programs in Spanish, this study details the learner profiles and goals of existing programs in local educational institutions. The goal is to delineate the gaps and opportunities in Portuguese heritage language programs and to offer suggestions for further research.