Subtractive bilingualism is a term, which involves negative impact of L2 on L1. It comes to existence when L2 is learnt at the expence of L1. Subtractive bilingualism occurs when pressure is exerted to replace L1 with L2. During the process of losing L1, a person also experiences a loss of a positive self-concept, which is associated with L1. The result of such phenomenon is a non-competence or lesser proficiency in both languages. As a concept subtractive bilingualism is close to semilingualism, even though in semilingualism both languages suffer severe linguistic deficit. Subtractive bilingualism implies that L2 is developed above L1 and at L1 expense. Unfortunately, there are many people who are subtractive bilinguals because they have developed their L2 to much higher degree than their L1. The reasons for this may be many. They can relate to enviromental preassures, political situation, general public opinion, etc. To this list we may also add some personal reasons, such as linguistic unawareness and ignorance, a wish to become a confident user of L2 (often because people wish to be accepted in L2 society)... During the process of learning L2, L1 starts to decline.
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