Laura Walls

Education

Ph.D., Applied Linguistics, University of California, Los Angeles

M.A., Spanish, Stanford University

B.A., Spanish, University of California, Davis

Research Interests

• Heritage Languages
• Spanish in the US
• Language Maintenance and Shift
• Language Identity
• Language Ideologies
• Sociolinguistics
• Conversation Analysis
• Community-Based Learning and Pedagogy

Publications

Djuraeva, M., Walls, L. C., Pearson, F., and Rodríguez-Arroyo, S. (In Press). Feeling and Feeding the Immigrant Void in Academia. In T. J. Brewer & C. II Hayes (Eds.)., Food Stories: Navigating the Academy with Cultural Lessons from the Kitchen (pp. XX-XX). Myers Education Press.

Rodríguez-Arroyo, S., Walls, L. C., and Pearson, F. (2023). Ni de aquí, ni de allá: Reflections on Trying to fit into a box. In Lin, C-C & Bauler, C. (Eds.), Dialogue in Action: Identity, Language and Power. Multilingual Matters.

Tocaimaza-Hatch, C. C. and Walls, L. C. (2017). Service-learning as an ecological resource: Providing learning opportunities for mixed second- and heritage-language classrooms. In M. Bloom & C. Gascoigne (Eds.), Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities for Language Learners: Acting Locally while Thinking Globally. Buffalo, NY: Multilingual Matters.

Walls, L. C. (2018). “I think that sounds right”: Heritage language learner negotiations. Heritage Language Journal, 15(3), 341-369.

Walls, L. C. and Tocaimaza-Hatch, C. C. (2018). Exposing Vocabulary Learning via Service Learning. International Journal of Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement, 6(1), 1-18.

Walls, L. C. (2018). The effect of dyad type on cooperation: Interactions among heritage and L2 learners. Foreign Language Journal, 51(3), 638-657.

Tocaimaza-Hatch, C. C. and Walls, L. C. (2016). Service learning as a means for vocabulary learning in L2 and heritage language learners of Spanish. Hispania, 99(4), 650-665.

Walls, L.; & Kelley, J. (2016). Using student writing reflections to inform our understanding of feedback receptivity. Issues in Applied Linguistics, 20(0), 91-110.

 Laura C. Walls is an Associate Professor of Spanish at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. A proud heritage speaker from California, her research focuses on the intersections of language identity, linguistic ideologies, and language maintenance among heritage speakers. Her work has been published in leading academic journals such as Foreign Language Annals, Hispania, and the Heritage Language Journal. Through her research, Dr. Walls aims to foster inclusive educational practices that honor the linguistic and cultural identities of heritage and bilingual speakers.

In addition to her research, Dr. Walls is an experienced and dedicated educator. She teaches a wide range of courses, from Spanish for Heritage Speakers to seminars on bilingualism, sociolinguistics, and second language acquisition. She is particularly passionate about training future educators through courses like Theory and Methods in the Teaching of Heritage Languages, preparing them to address the unique needs of heritage learners. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes empowering students through critical awareness of their linguistic and cultural identities and creating inclusive, supportive learning environments.

Courses