heritage language

US /ˈher.ɪ.tɪdʒ ˌlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ/
UK /ˈher.ɪ.tɪdʒ ˌlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ/
"heritage language" picture
1.

a language, other than the dominant language of a country, that is learned by individuals at home, usually from their parents or grandparents, and is associated with their cultural or ethnic identity

:
Many second-generation immigrants learn their parents' heritage language to stay connected to their roots.
Schools are increasingly offering programs to support the maintenance of heritage languages.