First language attrition and second language acquisition in a second language environment

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with the outcomes of the parallel processes of first language maintenance and second language acquisition in adult bilinguals resident in a second language environment. Current perspectives on first language attrition and bilingualism makes a strong case for considering L1 attrition as a feature of multi-competence in bilinguals, and for taking mto account changes across the range of languages known by a bilingual in assessing proficiency. They suggest that the simultaneous maintenance of several languages by a bilingual may result in trade-offs between those languages, but also that dynamic interactions between languages and a host of other factors will result in very different outcomes for individuals.