Factors Influencing L2 Maintenance in the L1 Environment: A Case Study of an Arab Returnee Child

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional observational study is to show how the perception of returnees’ L2 can be changed in the digital era and how the massive spread of technology, among other factors, has eased an Arab (Saudi) returnee child’s maintenance of English as an L2. The study discusses how technology allowed the returnee to continue to receive abundant L2 input, use the L2 daily, and interact with native speakers. The child was 9 months old when his family moved to the United States and was 6.2 years old when returned to Saudi Arabia. The study took place 5.4 years after their return when his age was 11.6 years old. A free conversation with the child, observation of online gaming, and an interview with parents were conducted to observe the child’s L2 maintenance. The child demonstrated an intermediate level of fluency and produced non-verbal communication in free conversation and online gaming. The parents held positive attitudes toward bilingualism and English which was believed to have a great influence on the child’s L2 maintenance. The study concludes that technology, parental attitudes, and personality and motivation have all contributed to the child’s successful L2 maintenance.