Language Attrition in Bilinguals: How to Prevent Losing a Language

What Is Language Attrition?

Language attrition refers to the gradual loss of proficiency in one of the languages a person speaks. This phenomenon is most common among bilinguals who, for various reasons, use one of their languages less frequently. Attrition can manifest in different ways: reduced fluency, the emergence of an accent, or an increase in grammatical errors. One major cause of attrition is a lack of practice—languages that are used less often are gradually forgotten.

What Do Studies Say?

Researchers have varying opinions on the causes and mechanisms of language attrition. For instance, Professor Silvina Montrul from the University of Illinois states that first-language attrition is most pronounced among individuals who move to a different linguistic environment at an early age. This is because children’s linguistic systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to adopting a new language at the expense of their first one.

Meanwhile, Professor Monika Schmid from the University of Essex emphasizes that attrition can also occur in adults, particularly when they experience strong cultural and linguistic pressure. When a first language becomes less socially significant or is used infrequently, adults may lose proficiency over time. Schmid also highlights psychological factors, such as a sense of belonging to a new culture, which can play a key role in the erosion of the first language.

Why Are Children Particularly Vulnerable?

Over 40% of bilinguals may lose their first language if they stop using it for an extended period. Children under the age of 12 are especially vulnerable because their linguistic systems are still developing. During this critical period, language skills are highly dependent on the frequency and context of use. If one language is no longer actively practiced, children can forget it more quickly than adults. Adults, even with limited use, typically retain the core structures of their first language.

Code-Switching: What It Is and How It Affects Bilinguals

Code-switching is the process of alternating between two languages within a single sentence or conversation. Around 40% of bilinguals face difficulties distinguishing between languages due to frequent code-switching. This can lead to mixed grammatical structures and increased errors. For example, a person might confuse vocabulary or grammar rules, reducing overall fluency.

However, research by Professor Shana Poplack suggests that code-switching can be more than just a challenge—it can also be an effective adaptive strategy. In her study, she found that code-switching, when practiced in environments where both languages are actively supported, can enhance linguistic flexibility and even improve proficiency in both languages.

Emotional Factors and Their Role in Language Loss

Emotional experiences can also contribute to language attrition. Around 15% of bilinguals consciously abandon one of their languages after experiencing significant stress or trauma. Events such as migration or the loss of loved ones may lead to the rejection of a language if it becomes associated with negative emotions. Creating a supportive and safe environment can help bilinguals retain their language skills despite emotional challenges.
Interestingly, studies also show that emotional factors can aid language preservation. For example, research by Anna Wetzels highlights that nostalgia for one’s homeland and a strong emotional connection to one’s cultural heritage can encourage the active use of a first language, even in a predominantly foreign-language environment. This helps maintain linguistic proficiency despite integration challenges.

How Can Parents and Educators Help Preserve Both Languages?

Parents and educators play a vital role in supporting bilinguals. Creating a positive linguistic environment that encourages the use of both languages in various contexts can significantly reduce the risk of attrition. It’s essential to promote regular use of both languages at home, in school, and during social interactions. Additionally, emotional support is key: fostering a sense of safety and confidence helps maintain language skills and prevents loss.

Recommendations for Bilinguals and Their Families

If you or your child are experiencing language attrition, here are some practical tips:

• Regular Practice: Even if one language is used less often, find opportunities to practice it—read books, watch movies, and talk with friends or family in that language.
• Language Rituals: Incorporate daily routines involving the less-used language, such as dedicated reading or conversation time.
• Emotional Support: Discuss the importance of preserving a language and its cultural significance with children or loved ones.
• Education and Practice: Enroll in courses, join language groups, or find other educational opportunities to maintain a high level of proficiency.

Statistics: How Common Is Language Attrition?

• 25% of bilinguals lose their first language after prolonged non-use (Montrul, 2008).
• 40% of bilinguals who regularly mix languages struggle to keep them separate (Bullock & Toribio, 2009).
• 15% of language loss cases are linked to emotional trauma (Schmid, 2011).
• 60% of adult bilinguals retain a high level of proficiency in their first language, even with decreased use (De Houwer, 2009).

Understanding language attrition and the factors influencing it enables the development of effective strategies to help bilinguals maintain their languages. This is essential not only for preserving linguistic skills but also for safeguarding cultural identity.
At our language school, we help children and adults retain and develop their first language, even with limited use. Our programs are designed specifically for bilinguals, supporting a balance between languages and preventing language loss.

References

• Montrul, S. (2008). Incomplete Acquisition in Bilingualism: Re-examining the Age Factor. John Benjamins Publishing.
• Bullock, B. E., & Toribio, A. J. (2009). The Cambridge Handbook of Linguistic Code-switching. Cambridge University Press.
• Schmid, M. S. (2011). Language Attrition. Cambridge University Press.
• De Houwer, A. (2009). Bilingual First Language Acquisition. Multilingual Matters.
• Poplack, S. (2004). Code-switching. In International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences. Elsevier.