A Small-Scale Study on the Relationship between First Language Attrition and Language Attitudes in Polish Speakers in Sweden

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between overall language attitude and first language attrition amongst educated adult Polish speakers in Sweden. The attritional data consisted of two variables–meta-textual indicators of uncertainty and the overt/covert use of first-person personal pronouns. The attitude value was obtained through an attitude questionnaire. There was a moderate negative correlation between the attitude value and meta-textual indicators of uncertainty. The correlation between the attitude value and the use of first-person pronouns was not significant. In line with previous research on first language attrition and its explanatory correlates, this study shows that some aspects of first language attrition might be influenced by the attitudinal factor. Thus, the study adds to a relatively limited body of research on Polish adult language development in Sweden and its explanatory correlates.