Learning and Losing Japanese as a Second Language: A Multiple Case Study of American University Students

要旨

Abstract Previous chapters have presented the phenomena of language attrition and retention in various environments where foreign or second languages are gradually lost due to disuse. This chapter examines a phenomenon that occurred in a slightly different context: the attrition and retention of second language (L2) Japanese in a first language (L1) environment where language instruction continued after returning from Japan. It had been observed in a U.S. graduate institute that advanced speakers of Japanese who had intensive language training and exposure to the language while in Japan during the summer experienced some attrition during the following academic year even though a certain level of language instruction continued. Similar phenomena are observable elsewhere among those who come back to the Ll environment from L2 study abroad programs. The attrition of oral skills among the students seemed to be caused mainly by the change of the language environment from an L2 (Japan) to Ll (U.S. English), where the exposure to the language and the opportunity to use it were severely limited. However, the environmental factor did not seem to affect the students equally, as some were able to maintain their L2 oral skills to a greater extent than others. Therefore the present study examined other variables that might have an effect on language attrition and retention in this population: initial proficiency level, attitudes and motivation, language use outside the classroom, and language learning background. It was hoped that a qualitative study of seven students at the above mentioned institute would shed some light on the complex nature of language attrition phenomena.

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