What fosters language loss according to the provided factors?

The option that accurately explains what fosters language loss is the low status of the majority language. When a language is perceived as having low status, it often leads to decreased motivation among speakers to maintain and use their native language. This can result in a gradual shift towards the dominant language, as individuals may feel that proficiency in the majority language is more advantageous for social, economic, or educational opportunities. The devaluation of a native language can diminish its transmission across generations, making it less likely for children to learn and use it, thereby contributing to language loss.

In contrast, strong bilingual education programs promote the usage and appreciation of both languages, enhancing proficiency and maintenance of the native language. High peer interaction in the first language (L1) supports its use and encourages its continuation among speakers. A supportive family environment plays a crucial role in fostering language use by creating an atmosphere where the native language is valued and actively spoken, encouraging intergenerational transmission and reinforcing cultural identity. These factors collectively help in maintaining the language rather than fostering its loss.