Presentation Title
Abstract
The Multifaceted Process of Language Attrition
Ryanne Mikunda
Ethan Krase
This research project defines and examines the many factors that influence the process of language attrition, which is an individual's loss of skill in a language that is not caused by a medical condition, i.e., is non-pathological. To begin, this study offers a brief history of first and second language attrition to establish language attrition's role in both the fields of second language acquisition and minority language loss. This history also outlines the parameters under which language attrition is studied, and the required conditions that precede it. The most important precursor is the intersection of two languages that eventually causes a dominance shift. Next, the project divides the process of language attrition into three categories: psycholinguistic functions, personal characteristics of the language user, and variables of the surrounding social context. These sections are provided for clarity of discussion, although the multifaceted and overlapping nature of certain factors is addressed. Finally, this project explores implications for teaching, as an educational setting is often where the interaction of two languages occurs or is prolonged. Educators must understand the process of language attrition in order to make conscientious pedagogical decisions for language learners.
College
College of Liberal Arts
Department
English
Location
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Breakout Room
19
Start Date
4-14-2021 1:00 PM
End Date
4-14-2021 1:45 PM
Presentation Type
Video (Live-Zoom)
Included in
Anthropological Linguistics and Sociolinguistics Commons, Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, First and Second Language Acquisition Commons, Language and Literacy Education Commons, Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics Commons
The Multifaceted Process of Language Attrition
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
The Multifaceted Process of Language Attrition
Ryanne Mikunda
Ethan Krase
This research project defines and examines the many factors that influence the process of language attrition, which is an individual's loss of skill in a language that is not caused by a medical condition, i.e., is non-pathological. To begin, this study offers a brief history of first and second language attrition to establish language attrition's role in both the fields of second language acquisition and minority language loss. This history also outlines the parameters under which language attrition is studied, and the required conditions that precede it. The most important precursor is the intersection of two languages that eventually causes a dominance shift. Next, the project divides the process of language attrition into three categories: psycholinguistic functions, personal characteristics of the language user, and variables of the surrounding social context. These sections are provided for clarity of discussion, although the multifaceted and overlapping nature of certain factors is addressed. Finally, this project explores implications for teaching, as an educational setting is often where the interaction of two languages occurs or is prolonged. Educators must understand the process of language attrition in order to make conscientious pedagogical decisions for language learners.
