| This study investigated whether advanced speakers of Japanese L2, who had full exposure to the language in Japan during the summer, experienced any attrition during the following academic year in the United States where exposure to the language was limited. The primary focus was on the effects of initial achievement and attitudes/motivation.;Previous research indicates a "critical mass" which seems resistant to attrition once it is acquired. However, no correspondence between any specific levels of initial achievement and attrition has been made; hence it was the goal of this study to determine these levels. In addition, the effects of individual factors--attitudes/motivation and learning experiences--on attrition were examined, as well as the relationship of speaking skills attrition to listening and reading skills attrition.;The methodology used was multiple-case studies: 7 advanced speakers of Japanese L2 participated; two OPI tapes per subjects, at Time 1 and Time 2, were analyzed to examine the changes in the subjects' speaking skills in three features, particle use, sentence structure, and pauses; six brief interviews were conducted during the academic year to observe subjects' language use and changes in their attitudes/motivation; and a questionnaire was used to collect information about their language learning background. A standardized test of listening and reading was given at two separate times to examine the relationship to speaking skill attrition.;Major findings from the study were: (1) the Advanced High or above on the OPI scale was indicated to be the threshold level for attrition; (2) the decline in ratings corresponded to the decreased ability in producing features examined and to the lowered attitude/motivation and language use; and (3) the attrition of speaking skills was not related to the changes in listening and reading skills.;The microanalysis of individual cases and the cross-case analysis of multiple cases contribute to understanding of the complex nature of language attrition, and draw implications for L2 teaching and learning in achieving levels that keep resisting attrition. |
