The Use of Asian Symbiotic Devices and the Symbolic System: Teaching Adult Heritage Language Speakers

Language involves understanding symbols and how to interact with them. In this qualitative, teacher action research study the theory of Asian symbiotic devices was employed to create successful interpersonal communication in a heritage language Korean class for adults. The method of symbolic symbolization was used by creating a learning chart system for the visual word association, which is titled the A.S.K. (Andrew's Symbolic Korean). This study found visuals and gestures are beneficial to participants in making meaningful connections to the language. This study had three important findings: 1) Identity and belonging are significant in navigating heritage language learning; 2) making the unfamiliar familiar through word assimilation aides in language acquisition; and 3) Singing Pictorial Symbolization supports comprehensible input and ongoing assessment when phrases in the language are accompanied through voice and movement.