Language attrition – implications for second/foreign language acquisition

The inquiry provides an overview of the central issues that arise in the consideration of sec-ond/foreign language attrition. The seminal articles included provide an insightful view of what constitutes the phenomenon in question. The research on non-native language attrition is still weak (K. Bardovi-Harlig/ D. Stringer 2010) and requires more attention not only on the part of linguists studying the problem but language teachers as well. Non-native linguistic knowledge is not given once and for all and as such cannot be taken for granted. It requires maintenance, effort, and diligence. Learners may begin to attrite long before they fully acquire the language they study. Consequently, teachers have to be aware of the means to prevent language decline.