First language attrition

Definition

First language attrition refers to the gradual loss or decline in proficiency of a person's native language, often due to limited use or exposure to that language over time. This phenomenon can occur when an individual shifts their primary focus to learning and using a second language, leading to a decrease in fluency, vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy in their first language. It highlights the dynamic nature of language use and the influence that context has on language maintenance and shift.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. First language attrition can be influenced by factors such as age, frequency of use, and exposure to the first language versus the second language.
2. Research shows that individuals who move to a new country and primarily use a second language for social and work interactions may experience faster rates of first language attrition.
3. Some individuals may retain passive knowledge of their first language, such as understanding it, while struggling with active use, like speaking or writing.
4. First language attrition can be reversible; with increased exposure and practice, individuals may regain lost skills in their native language.
5. The phenomenon of first language attrition is often studied within the broader field of second language acquisition, as it provides insights into how languages interact in multilingual speakers.

Review Questions

• How does first language attrition manifest differently in bilingual individuals compared to monolingual speakers?
  • In bilingual individuals, first language attrition typically manifests as decreased fluency and difficulty in active use of their native language, while they might still comprehend it passively. Monolingual speakers may not experience this issue since they have no other languages to shift towards. Bilinguals often face challenges like code-switching where they might inadvertently mix languages, while monolinguals maintain their proficiency unless exposed to substantial changes in their linguistic environment.
• Discuss the implications of first language attrition for educational practices in multilingual settings.
  • First language attrition has significant implications for educational practices in multilingual settings, as it highlights the need for strategies that promote the maintenance of first languages alongside second languages. Educators should recognize that students might experience varying levels of proficiency in their first language due to exposure to a second language. Implementing dual-language programs or culturally relevant content can help mitigate attrition effects and support students' identities while enhancing overall linguistic competence.
• Evaluate how first language attrition can affect an individual's cultural identity and social integration within a new linguistic community.
  • First language attrition can profoundly impact an individual's cultural identity by creating a disconnect from their heritage and native community. As proficiency declines, individuals may struggle with feelings of loss regarding their cultural roots and may find it difficult to engage fully with family members or cultural practices associated with their first language. Social integration into a new linguistic community can also be complicated; while they may become proficient in a second language, a lack of fluency in their first language can hinder authentic connections with others who share that cultural background, potentially leading to feelings of isolation.

Related terms

language shift: Language shift is the process by which a community or individual transitions from using one language to another, often due to social, economic, or cultural factors.

bilingualism: Bilingualism refers to the ability of an individual to communicate fluently in two languages, which can lead to both positive effects and challenges in language use and maintenance.

code-switching: Code-switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects within a conversation or discourse, often reflecting the speaker's linguistic repertoire and social context.