SERVICE LEARNING AS A MODEL FOR LINGUISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS OF SPANISH AS A HERITAGE LANGUAGE AND AS A FOREING LANGUAGE

ABSTRACT This article presents an investigation carried out to study the linguistic development of students from a Spanish Language class. The community service learning (from now on, due its initials in English, SL) methodology is used. as heritage language learners HLLs) and foreign FLLs) participated SL which they translated educational medical materials English into Spanish. first objective was determine whether affects vocabulary what extent students’ prior knowledge benefits their development. second observe intrinsic motivation students. research includes eight FLLs participants HLLs who, assignment course, materials. Two diagnostic tests were administered order analyze results. A qualitative analysis shows that underwent favorable changes. Quantitative indicates increases connections between previous new skills. concludes by highlighting results; among results it can be observed aptitude, vocabulary, sense belonging Hispanics part