What detrimental effects can learning a second language have on the first?

Question

There was a similar question regarding bilingual education here: Have there been any studies into detrimental effects of language learning?

My question alludes to a different setting, specifically to an immersion method known as Content and language integrated learning (CCIL) where some subjects not related to the second language are taught in the second language.

What detrimental effects on the first language are known and described in the scientific literature?

Possible duplicate of Have there been any studies into detrimental effects of language learning? — Flimzy, Apr 08 '16 at 08:37
@Flimzy: The other question deals with bilingual education. I am interested in second language learning. — Sir Cornflakes, Apr 08 '16 at 08:38
@Flimzy I think the linked question needs to be more precise about what it's asking about - all scenarios, or just growing up bilingual. — Golden Cuy, Apr 08 '16 at 09:01
It seems you are talking about (CLIL ) which indeed is an entirely different concept from bilingualism. Your question is not very clear and probably should rephrase it. What are the advantages of Content and Language Integrated Learning? (just a suggestion...) — None, Apr 08 '16 at 09:02
From personal experience, an obvious disadvantage is not knowing the relevant terminology in my native language. — Ansa211, Apr 09 '16 at 13:51
Does this assume L1 is in final stage learning or still being actively learnt? — Quill, Apr 18 '16 at 02:15
@Quil: I am not versed in the terminology you use ("final stage learning"), but typically teaching some subjects in L2 starts at an age of 12 or 14. — Sir Cornflakes, Apr 18 '16 at 12:00
Lots. In my case, knowledge of noun gender was particularly affected. — SAH, Feb 19 '17 at 14:59

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 27 '16 at 02:21

2

Normally the second language doesn't bother the first. Instead the first language bothers the second. We tend to force the rules of our first language on the second which leads to some strange phrases. There are also times when we can code-switch between the two languages which can be a problem.

For children, it's slightly different. If they learn both languages simultaneously it can lead to semilingualism. Semilingualism is a lack of native proficiency in both languages.

answered Apr 27 '16 at 02:21

2

Since I learned English quite thoroughly, I often am lacking the right word when speaking in French (my native langage), because my brain straight away find one word in English that conveys perfectly what I want to say, and I forgot its French equivalent (if it exists)... My vocabulary seems also more extended now in English than in French (probably because I read/watch/listen many more things in American & British English than in French). And sometimes (especially while writing scripts commentaries) I switch from one to the other without realising it. – Olivier Dulac May 26 '16 at 15:20

What detrimental effects can learning a second language have on the first?

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