Can a Native Tongue Get Replaced or Weakened if the Second Language is Practiced and Used Extensively?
Many wonder if their native language can be replaced or weakened when they immerse themselves in a second language, especially if they practice and use it extensively and repetitively. The answer is not as straightforward as one might think. In this article, we will explore the nuances of language preservation and how the practice of a second language can impact one's native tongue.
Understanding Language Proficiency
Contrary to popular belief, one's native language cannot be entirely 'undone' by acquiring fluency in another language. Regardless of the number of languages mastered, the foundation of a native tongue remains intact. If the native language continues to be used concurrently with the second language, there is little risk of it being weakened or replaced.
However, if an individual does not use or engage with their native language for extended periods, it can become rusty. This phenomenon is more commonly observed in situations where a person relocates to a country where the second language is predominantly spoken. While the individual will not forget their native language, prolonged exposure to the second language can make it difficult to use it more extensively than the new language.
The Role of Continuous Practice
The confusion and difficulty in using a native language arise more from a lack of practice rather than the acquisition of a second language. This is illustrated by personal experiences, such as my own journey into learning English. Initially, I found it challenging to switch back to my native Arabic, but with time and continuous practice, my proficiency in both languages stabilized, and I no longer experienced confusion.
It's important to note that language is similar to any other skill; if it is not frequently practiced, it can be forgotten. Over time, an individual's accent and fluency can weaken, just as physical skills can atrophy with disuse.
Research and Personal Experiences
A professor from Texas, who had lived in France for 30 years, provides an interesting example. Despite his extensive experience in the French language, his accent was distinctly different, neither Texan nor American, nor French or British. His accent had been influenced by his prolonged immersion in a second language, and studying archaic language had clouded his ability to speak his native tongue fluently.
Similar to this, it is observed that immigrants often speak a weakened form of their native language due to continuous exposure to the second language. This atrophy in the native language can be attributed to the immersive environment and the limited use of the native language in their daily lives.
Global Perspectives on Language Preservation
On a global scale, the native language can indeed face challenges, particularly in regions where indigenous languages are losing speakers. For instance, the last native speaker of the Lenape language died a few years back, illustrating a concerning trend towards linguistic extinction. Websites such as Linguist List and provide extensive lists of extinct languages and those that are losing speakers.
However, the story is not all doom and gloom. Indigenous languages can also be revitalized through deliberate efforts. Welsh, for example, was once on the brink of extinction but has been revived through inclusion in the national school curriculum. Irish, which had fewer native speakers, has also seen a resurgence due to similar initiatives in Ireland.
Conclusion
While a native tongue cannot be entirely replaced, it can face challenges, particularly when not used frequently. Continuous practice and engagement with the native language can prevent its weakening or replacement. Immigration and prolonged exposure to a second language can lead to atrophy in the native language, but such phenomena are not unique to second languages. Indigenous languages can indeed face the risk of extinction, but revitalization efforts can also bring them back from the brink.