This special issue explores the relevance of Dynamic Systems Theory (henceforth DST) to research in first language attrition (henceforth L1 attrition). While research in L1 attrition has traditionally drawn on paradigms in other areas of linguistic enquiry, e.g. approaches current in L2 acquisition studies, important developments across a range of disciplines have paved the way for a fundamentally different conceptualisation of language development. In this special issue, DST guides our enquiry into L1 attrition, which we view as one specific dynamic process of change in language development.DST was first linked to L1 attrition by Herdina and Jessner (2002), and then further developed by de Bot, who suggested that DST provides 'a fresh and promising perspective on language attrition as a normal part of language development and not as a lamentable loss of what once was' (2004, p. 233). De Bot argued that a DST-based model of language development should be applicable to language attrition and that the theoretical underpinning of L1 attrition research would be strengthened by adopting this perspective (see also Ecke, 2004). However, de Bot also pointed to methodological challenges implicit in applying a DST perspective to L1 attrition. Here, one of the most salient challenges is actually testing DST, a feat yet to be accomplished. Nevertheless, eight years on, the purpose of this special issue is to present for the first time empirical research which has adopted the DST framework to study L1 attrition across the lifespan.In this introduction, two propositions related to the relevance of DST in L1 attrition research are discussed.

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 variablesmeta-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.

The current Polish migrant group in Sweden is the largest in Scandinavia, and experienced a significant growth after the enlargement of the European Union in 2004. The present overview is an attempt to give a systematic picture of this group, and is based on a selection of publications from a larger bibliography. The bibliography was compiled by the author in order to survey the knowledge on Polish migrants in Sweden, and is attached to this overview. The overview is primarily confined to the period between 1940 and 1990 because this period is covered by the scholarly literature.

Informed by Spolsky's language policy model and the notion of audience design, this study addresses the under-researched context of the multigenerational family originating in the old Polish migration to Sweden. Two families were studied with a focus on (i) intra-familial language choice, and (ii) language policies derived from this choice and from individual reflections. Data were collected through an open-ended bilingual form and interviews, and then underwent descriptive, thematic and appraisal analysis. The findings suggest that family language policy is a heterogeneous social phenomenon. At the ideological level, Polish is the language of the family at home. At the level of practice, family members modify the policy in multiple ways. Language management is primarily verbalised as consequent usage of Polish within the family. Also, an agency belief is expressed, meaning that subsequent generations make independent linguistic choices. With respect to the influence of audience design, the families adjust to the language of the participating audience. With a non-participating audience, Swedish is a preferred or accepted choice. This paper concludes that there should be a follow-up study on the families presented here, which would further contribute to the still limited understanding of how family language policies are reshaped by later generations.