Many Heritage Language Learners (HLLs) struggle to balance speaking their family’s native language and English on a regular basis. Particularly in households of Asian descent, the struggle to speak fluently at home can cause HLLs heightened stress. This qualitative study, grounded in Asian Critical Theory (AsianCrit), explored the experiences of five Asian American HLLs: four Vietnamese speakers and one Mandarin speaker. Using semi-structured interviews and reflective journals, the study examined the challenges they face in maintaining their heritage language and the strategies they used to sustain proficiency. Key findings revealed that HLLs relied on family-based reinforcement, social engagement, digital learning tools, and community involvement to maintain their language. However, they also struggled with limited opportunities for practice, societal pressures, generational communication gaps, and difficulties with literacy, leading to language loss and frustration. The study called for greater community support, institutional recognition, and inclusive pedagogical strategies to ensure that heritage languages are preserved and valued in multilingual societies.
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