A native language, or “mother tongue,” is the first language a person learns and is usually a key part of their identity, allowing them to connect with their family and friends and to embrace their culture and heritage.
But is it possible to forget your native language — for example, if you move to another region or country and start speaking a different dialect or language?
Linguists call this phenomenon “native language attrition,” or the process in which you become less competent in your native language over time — perhaps because you’re not using it as much. Experts say it’s possible to forget your native language in certain circumstances, particularly in the case of young children moving to a different country or region where a different language is spoken.
“Writer Fuel” is a series of cool real-world stories that might inspire your little writer heart. Check out our Writer Fuel page on the LimFic blog for more inspiration.
