First-language attrition

[hsmr at gol.com]

Hi everyone!

Being somewhat of a neophyte to the world of linguistics, but a very
old-hand at language learning, I breach this topic somewhat hesitantly.

My very superficial view of the research performed on language
attrition and acquisition suggests a strong imbalance. What I perceive
is an inordinate amount of energy, time, and money devoted to research
on first language attrition and second language acquisition, but not
enough energy, time, and money spent on second language attrition. Why?

The more second languages take hold, the more first languages are
endangered. If it can be shown that second languages have been
oversold, then would it not relieve some of the pressure on endangered
first languages, the deterioration of our world's cultural and
geographical diversity, and the ecological destruction that necessarily
results?

I look forward to your response.

Hamo



On 19 Oct 2004, at 10:30, super nghiep agu wrote:

> no mail, thank you !
>
>
> "Harold F. Schiffman" <haroldfs at ccat.sas.upenn.edu> wrote:
> Forwarded from Linguist-List,
>
> First Language Attrition: Interdisciplinary perspectives on
> methodological issues
>
> Studies in Bilingualism 28, 2004
> John Benjamins http://www.benjamins.com/
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