Madeleine Schwartz, an English and French bilingual, has experienced language attrition after moving to Paris in October 2020. Language attrition, the process of forgetting aspects of one’s native language, can occur when expatriates immerse themselves in a new linguistic environment. Schwartz, who initially moved to Paris for journalistic opportunities and to engage more deeply with her French language skills, found unexpected challenges in maintaining her English fluency.
Schwartz’s narration of her experiences includes difficulty in recalling English words, unintentionally responding in French, and infusing French accents and syntax into her English speech. These challenges illustrate the nuances of linguistic shifts among bilingual speakers who relocate to environments where their secondary language predominates.
The phenomenon of language attrition is supported by various linguists and researchers who note that even deeply ingrained native languages can erode over time. Monika S. Schmid, a researcher in this field from the University of York, explains that bilingual individuals must continuously choose which language to employ, which can lead to a preference for one language over time depending on the dominant environment.
Overall, the article reflects on the complexities of maintaining language proficiency amidst new linguistic and cultural landscapes, shedding light on both personal experiences and broader linguistic research.