Language: Acquisition and Loss

Abstract

An understanding of the reasons for language acquisition and loss is useful for those who wish to learn or teach languages. Studies of language acquisition and loss have been manifest in at least two major disciplines: Cognitive Neuropsychology (Psychology and Medicine) and Applied Linguistics (Language Studies). These studies are made more complex by the inability to plan and perform controlled experiments, in the case of pathologic aphasias (Medical studies) and by the acquisition of second or even more additional languages (Linguistics) with the interfering factors of multiple language skills. There can be interference from the first language (L1) with the second (L2) and likewise the loss of L1 or L2 can be decreased or accelerated by exposure to the surrounding languages. Both Medical studies and Linguistic studies recognize the normal development of language skills. In fact, deviation from “normal” may be the first sign of developmental delay or disease processes. The latter field of inquiry, Linguistics, has examined language acquisition and attrition for purposes of education and skills in languages. With respect to Linguistics, language acquisition and loss are attributed to naturally occurring phenomena. These can be measured, assessed and influenced by the educational process. Medical and Linguistic research and literature have sought to identify factors involved in acquisition, attrition and aphasia of language. This paper seeks to review and discuss some of the more important research and factors involved in language acquisition, attrition and aphasia.