Which is a common implication of subtractive bilingualism?

Which is a common implication of subtractive bilingualism?

• A. Learners feel more pride in home language
• B. L1 proficiency increases as L2 is learned
• C. L2 replaces L1 and home language pride may decline
• D. L1 and L2 are equally supported in the curriculum

Answer: (C)

Subtractive bilingualism describes a situation in which learning a second language comes to replace the first language in daily use, schooling, and social life. When the second language becomes dominant, the first language often loses ground, and students may experience a decline in proficiency in L1 as L2 takes over. This shift can also affect how valued the home language feels, so pride in that language may lessen as the second language becomes the primary medium for communication and writing. The idea here is that the second language substitutes for the first, rather than merely adding to it or receiving equal support in both languages. So the best answer captures both the replacement of L1 by L2 and the potential drop in home language pride.

Subtractive bilingualism describes a situation in which learning a second language comes to replace the first language in daily use, schooling, and social life. When the second language becomes dominant, the first language often loses ground, and students may experience a decline in proficiency in L1 as L2 takes over. This shift can also affect how valued the home language feels, so pride in that language may lessen as the second language becomes the primary medium for communication and writing. The idea here is that the second language substitutes for the first, rather than merely adding to it or receiving equal support in both languages. So the best answer captures both the replacement of L1 by L2 and the potential drop in home language pride.