How would I translate attrition when referring to language attrition / language loss?

Question

How would I translate attrition when referring to language attrition / language loss?

Thank you!! Amanda

Answer 1

This is probably too technical, but the best I can give you is

la perdida de competencia lingüística (the loss of linguistic competence)

or maybe el deterioro would be better (the deterioration)

Answer 2

If you are talking about an ongoing loss, you can also say "disminución."

Answer 3

The term "atrición" does exist (it is a Latin term) and it is occasionally used in the sense of wear, but mainly as an equivalent of the term "war of attrition" ("desgaste" is much more common). In any case, it is not used a lot, and I would use one of the alternatives provided so far.