Discursive positioning in heritage language learner - second interaction: A case study of the dynamic construction of linguistic expertise

Drawing on positioning and sociocultural theories, this study examines heritage language (HL) and second language (L2) learners' negotiation of linguistic expertise in mixed interactions. Through a case study of four interactions between the same HL learner and three different L2 classmates, it investigates how learners' positioning regarding linguistic expertise shifts across interlocutors and time, shaping language learning. Data was collected at four different stages of a 10-week high-intermediate Spanish course, as learners completed four collaborative writing tasks. Posttests, a pretest, and two questionnaires were also administered. The analysis of discursive positioning showed how the HL learner initially enacted the linguistic expert position associated with his heritage status. As experiences accumulated and pre-established conceptions of expertise were contested, the HL learner came to occupy more of a peer position. The sociocultural analysis of language-related episodes confirmed that this shift resulted in more balanced interactions and enhanced opportunities for HL development.