The impact of language attrition on language teaching: the dynamics of linguistic knowledge retention and maintenance in multilingualism

Abstract

Language attrition has become a vibrant theme as it has implications for theoretical linguistics, including, for example, the organization of linguistic information in the brain and language processing. Insights from this area also have impact on the study of second language (L2) development and can feed the area of language teaching. Once language attrition may be of value for the study of language retention and maintenance, it can contribute to language teaching with long lasting results, more effective planning and syllabus design. In this perspective, as studies exploring L2 attrition are still limited, this article provides a synthesis of research on the area. By drawing from the Dynamic Model of Multilingualism and from the Threshold Hypothesis, it also explores the implications L2 attrition research has for language teaching with a view to establishing more informed language practices and policies.

Evaluation of the Philippine National Foreign Language Program in Public Secondary Schools

“…The second question raised above poses an even more important issue which may have grave consequences. If the process of learning and using a foreign language is discontinued, it is presupposed that the language will be forgotten [8]. This is known as language attrition -a concept that has expanded to include the loss of both the native language and second or foreign language.…”

Readings in Language Shift Studies from the Past to the Present: Review Article

“…after a long period of total lack of use. On the other hand, in a controversial study performed by Footnick (2007), by means of 'age-regression hypnosis', evidence was revealed indicating 'sustaining' 'long-standing knowledge' of a forgotten childhood language (Kupske, 2020). Furthermore, such studies can be said to show the relationship between LS effects and brain memory.…”

“…More specifically, research on language attrition has undergone an increase, and started as a new area of linguistic inquiry, since the publication of The Loss of Language Skills, by Lambert and Freed in 1982. However, some scholars assert that such research is still very 'effervescent', sometimes yielding contradictory results (Kupske, 2020). For example, on the one hand, there are studies indicating that languages could be completely erased from the human brain.…”

Investigando os sons de línguas não nativas: uma introdução

“…Consequentemente, parece menos natural pensarmos em línguas em termos de quebra, perda ou desgaste (Szupica-Pyrzanowska 2016). Portanto, em comparação com a pesquisa sobre desenvolvimento de L2, o estudo em atrito é bastante limitado (Kupske 2019), sobretudo em relação aos sons da fala. Para Schmid (2011), o atrito em fonética e fonologia é uma área drasticamente não pesquisada quando comparada às demais (e.g., léxico ou sintaxe).…”