The role of the age factor in preserving the first language

Abstract EN

This research investigates the role of the age factor, the age of arrival and period of stay in the host community of the first language attrition, especially in the phonological domain.

Therefore, the bilingual participants hired for the study are divided into two groups, namely, children bilingual group and adults' bilingual group.

The former immigrated to the UK at the ages varying from five to nine, and the latter immigrated to the UK at the ages varying from nineteen to twenty four in order to precisely measure the level of attrition among both population.

It also demonstrates whether the critical period hypothesis is valid.

The full definitions of the arrival age and the period of stay in the L2 setting are given.

Additionally, they are supported with case studies.