Ecological interactions between L2 learning and L1 change in bilingualism

Recent research on the phenomenon of first-generation ‘attrition’ has shown that a speaker’s first language (L1) changes in selective ways as a result of learning a second language (L2). The question is whether there is a relationship between openness of the L1 to change and level of L2 attainment, as research shows that the aspects of L1 grammar affected by change are the ones that remain variable even in highly proficient L2 speakers of the same language.

Antonella will explore four provisional generalisations that are possible:

• we should treat L1 grammatical changes as a natural and predictable consequence of language contact, in bilingual individuals and then in multilingual communities;
• understanding the big picture requires serious consideration of individual differences and of variation in the bilingual experience;
• we need to discontinue the use of ‘native monolingual speakers’ as a point of reference, both in research and in society;
• we need more interdisciplinary research on different aspects of child and adult bilingualism that combines the insights of linguistic, cognitive and social models.

This event will be particularly useful for researchers.

Related links

• Centre for Applied Linguistics Research Seminars Series
• Centre for Applied Linguistics
• Culture, Communication and Media

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Kirsten Holt for UCL.