Abstract:Foreign language attrition refers to the loss of language skills by those who have learned and then disrupted the use of a foreign language. Foreign language attrition is a very common phenomenon because it occurs in every corner of the world，taking its toll among young and old alike．This paper analyzes the effects of proficiency level prior to attrition, exposure to target language, attitude and motivation, and ways of foreign language acquisition on college students’ English attrition. It states the enlightenments of language attrition researches on college students.  

Key words: language attrition; foreign language acquisition; college students

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction.1

2. Language Attrition1

2.1 Definition of Language Attrition  

2.2 Types of Language Attrition

2.2.1 Loss of L1 in a L1 Environment

2.2.2 Loss of L1 in a L2 environment

2.2.3 Loss of L2/ FL in a L2 Environment

2.2.4 Loss of L2/ FL in a L1 Environment

3. Factors Affecting English Attrition of College Students.3

3.1 Proficiency Level Prior to Attrition

3.2 Exposure to Target Language

3.3 Attitudes and Motivations

3.4 Ways of Foreign Language Acquisition 

4. Enlightenments of Language Attrition on English Acquisition of College Students.7

4.1 Improving Proficiency Level

4.2 Increasing Exposure to Target Language

4.3 Developing Personal Feelings and Interest in Learning

4.4 Reading and Writing in Class, Listening and Speaking out of Class

5. Conclusion8

Bibliography.10

Acknowledgments11