Investigating the Impact of L2 Attainment on L1 Attrition: The Case of Saudi Children Studying in International Schools in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Despite the significant body of research in linguistics, there has been limited exploration of the attrition or retention of the first language in a homeland after a person ceases to use or learn it. However, this phenomenon has become apparent in the Saudi community, particularly in the younger generation who are losing their mother tongue (L1) despite living in their homeland. To address this issue, the present study focuses on L1 attrition and examines lexical disfluency in the oral production of Arabic among 36 Saudi children living in Saudi Arabia. They are L1 Arabic speakers who learned English as their second language L2 while studying in international schools from grade one to six. The study compares the level of their Arabic proficiency to that of other Saudi children studying in national schools. The latter group speaks Arabic as their L1 and English as a foreign language. The aim of the study is to identify the extent to which exposure to English as L2 affects the oral production of Arabic among L1 Arabic speakers. This study is significant because the loss of L1 can result in the erosion of cultural identity and the weakening of social ties within a community (Genesee, 2008). The study provides insights into the factors that contribute to L1 attrition. This can inform efforts to preserve Arabic language and culture in Saudi Arabia, particularly among younger generations who are at risk of losing their L1. The results showed high level of attrition in the attritor group.