Language attrition facts for kids

Language attrition is when someone forgets some or all of their own language. It's like your brain slowly losing parts of its language memory. This can happen to people who move to a new country and stop using their first language. It can also happen if they learn a new language and use it much more often.

What is Language Attrition?

Language attrition means losing skills in a language you already know. This is different from forgetting things like your math facts. It's about your ability to speak, understand, read, or write a language. This can happen to your first language (your native tongue) or a second language you learned.

Why Does Language Attrition Happen?

There are several reasons why people might start to forget a language.

Not Using the Language

The most common reason is not using the language enough. Imagine you learn to play the piano. If you stop practicing, you'll likely forget how to play well. Languages are similar. If you don't speak, listen to, read, or write in a language regularly, your skills can fade.

• Moving to a new place: When people move to a country where a different language is spoken, they might use their first language less. They start using the new language for school, work, and friends.
• Learning a new language: Sometimes, learning a new language can make you use your old one less. Your brain might focus more on the new language.

Age and Brain Changes

Language attrition can affect people of all ages. However, it can be more noticeable in young children or older adults.

• Young children: If very young children move to a new language environment, they might forget their first language quickly. Their brains are still developing.
• Older adults: As people get older, their memory can change. This might make it harder to recall words or grammar rules.

Other Factors

Sometimes, other things can play a role.

• Lack of support: If there are no books, movies, or people who speak your first language around you, it's harder to keep using it.
• Social pressure: In some places, there might be pressure to only speak the new language. This can make people stop using their first language.

How Language Attrition Shows Up

When someone experiences language attrition, they might notice different changes.

• Forgetting words: They might struggle to remember common words.
• Grammar mistakes: They might start making errors in grammar they never used to make.
• Slower speaking: It might take them longer to form sentences.
• Mixing languages: They might start using words from their new language when speaking their old one. This is called "code-switching."
• Difficulty understanding: They might find it harder to understand conversations or media in their first language.

Is Language Attrition Permanent?

Not always! While some language skills can fade, they can often be brought back. It's like riding a bike. Even if you haven't ridden in years, you can usually pick it up again.

• Practice helps: The best way to fight language attrition is to use the language.
• Immersion: Spending time in a place where the language is spoken can help a lot.
• Learning resources: Reading books, watching movies, or taking classes in the language can also help.

Language attrition is a natural process. It shows how our brains adapt to new environments. But with effort, people can often keep their language skills strong.