mother tongue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Semi-formal to formal; common in academic, linguistic, and cultural discussions.
Quick answer
What does “mother tongue” mean?
The first language a person learns from birth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The first language a person learns from birth; the primary language spoken in one's family or community during childhood.
Can refer to one's native language or heritage language, often carrying cultural and emotional significance beyond mere communication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. "Native language" might be slightly more common in American English in formal contexts, but both terms are fully understood and used.
Connotations
Both varieties carry the same familial and cultural connotations.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both; no significant divergence.
Grammar
How to Use “mother tongue” in a Sentence
[possessive] + mother tongue (e.g., 'my mother tongue')mother tongue + of + [group/region] (e.g., 'the mother tongue of the community')verb + in + mother tongue (e.g., 'think in one's mother tongue')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mother tongue” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not commonly used as a pure adjective. Use 'native-language' as a compound modifier (e.g., 'mother-tongue education').
American English
- Not commonly used as a pure adjective. Use 'native-language' as a compound modifier (e.g., 'mother-tongue instruction').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in discussions of global marketing or multicultural teams (e.g., 'We need content adapted for various mother tongues.').
Academic
Common in linguistics, sociology, and education research (e.g., 'The study examines mother tongue attrition in bilingual children.').
Everyday
Common when discussing personal background, travel, or language learning (e.g., 'My mother tongue is Italian, but I'm fluent in English.').
Technical
Used in language pedagogy and speech therapy (e.g., 'The intervention supports literacy development in the mother tongue.').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mother tongue”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mother tongue”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mother tongue”
- Using 'mother language' (incorrect).
- Using it as a countable noun without a possessive (e.g., 'He speaks mother tongue' instead of 'He speaks his mother tongue').
- Confusing 'mother tongue' with 'accent'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very nearly, but 'mother tongue' can sometimes refer to a heritage or ancestral language that isn't the speaker's strongest current language, whereas 'first language' is more strictly chronological.
Yes, if they acquire two languages simultaneously from birth in a bilingual household. This is often called 'simultaneous bilingualism'.
No, it is a standard and neutral question about linguistic background. However, in some multicultural contexts, asking 'What language do you speak at home?' might be more precise.
The term originates from the historical assumption that mothers were the primary caregivers and thus the first source of language for children. Similar constructions exist in many languages.
The first language a person learns from birth.
Mother tongue is usually semi-formal to formal; common in academic, linguistic, and cultural discussions. in register.
Mother tongue: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌðə ˌtʌŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌðɚ ˌtʌŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have a good command of one's mother tongue.”
- “To be more expressive in one's mother tongue.”
- “To dream in one's mother tongue.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a mother singing a lullaby – the very first tongue (language) you hear.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A HERITAGE (something passed down through family). LANGUAGE IS A ROOT (something fundamental to identity).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym to 'mother tongue' in most contexts?