Embracing bilingualism: L1 retention amidst L2 acquisition

Abstract

ABSTRACT In L1 attrition research, it's recognized that a previously acquired language can transform under the influence of a newly acquired one. However, the precise L1-L2 relationship is intricate and warrants further study. Some research suggest that L2 mastery might reduce L1 proficiency, while others show that both languages can be maintained. Age of onset and L1 use are the factors that have been discussed in the debate surrounding L1 attrition. The study aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion by examining L1 and L2 proficiency of Russian-English bilingual speakers (N = 35). The participants with comparable L2 proficiency but various degrees of L1 attrition who arrived at different ages and differed in their frequency of L1 use were recruited for the study. This diverse group provided an ideal quality sample for investigating the role of age of onset and L1 use, as well as the interplay between L1 and L2. By comparing L1 and L2 lexical diversity, syntactic complexity, and fluency, the study revealed that higher L2 proficiency was not associated with lower levels of L1 proficiency, suggesting that L1 retention is possible amidst L2 acquisition. L1 use played a more significant role in the L1 maintenance of these bilingual individuals.