Language attrition

Definition

Language attrition refers to the gradual loss or decline in proficiency of a language due to lack of use or exposure over time. This phenomenon often occurs when individuals move to a new linguistic environment where their native or previously learned language is not actively spoken, leading to decreased fluency and retention of that language. Language attrition can also affect multilingual speakers, who may lose proficiency in one of their languages as they prioritize others.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Language attrition can vary in intensity; some individuals may experience minor difficulties while others may struggle significantly with vocabulary and grammar.
2. Factors influencing language attrition include the age at which a language is acquired, frequency of use, and the social environment surrounding the speaker.
3. Research shows that individuals who maintain regular contact with their native language or community are less likely to experience significant attrition.
4. Language attrition can result in noticeable changes in pronunciation, syntax, and word choice, making a speaker's use of the language sound different from that of fluent speakers.
5. In cases where multiple languages are spoken, attrition can lead to a phenomenon known as 'language interference,' where elements from one language affect the use of another.

Review Questions

• How does language attrition affect bilingual speakers differently than monolingual speakers?
  • Language attrition impacts bilingual speakers uniquely because they navigate multiple languages simultaneously. While monolingual speakers might lose proficiency in their only language due to lack of use, bilingual speakers may see varying degrees of proficiency decline in each language based on usage patterns and social interactions. If they primarily engage with one language, the other can suffer attrition more rapidly, leading to potential interference when switching between languages.
• Discuss the factors that can contribute to the acceleration of language attrition among immigrant communities.
  • In immigrant communities, several factors can accelerate language attrition. The dominant societal pressures to assimilate and adopt the local language often lead to reduced use of the heritage language at home and within community settings. Additionally, children who grow up in these environments may prioritize learning the dominant language for educational and social reasons, further diminishing their exposure to and practice of their native tongue. This shift can create a cycle where generations lose connection with their original language more rapidly.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of language attrition on cultural identity within multilingual communities.
  • The long-term implications of language attrition on cultural identity are profound, as losing proficiency in a heritage language can diminish connections to cultural practices, history, and community values. When individuals no longer speak their ancestral languages fluently, they may struggle to access traditional knowledge and cultural expressions embedded in those languages. Over time, this could lead to a weakened sense of identity among members of multilingual communities, as shared linguistic ties are critical for maintaining cultural continuity and solidarity.

Related terms

language shift: The process by which a community of speakers gradually adopts a new language in place of their original language, often resulting in the decline or extinction of the original language.

bilingualism:

The ability to speak and understand two languages fluently, which can be affected by language attrition if one of the languages is not maintained.

code-switching:

The practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects within a conversation, often seen among bilingual speakers and can be influenced by language attrition.