native language
C1Formal, neutral, academic
Definition
Meaning
The first language a person learns from birth or early childhood; one's mother tongue.
Can refer to a language a speaker is most proficient in or identifies with culturally; sometimes used to describe the dominant language of a region or ethnic group. In computing, a 'native language' can refer to the default or built-in language of a system.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used interchangeably with 'mother tongue' or 'first language', though 'native language' carries slightly more formal/academic connotations. 'Native language' can imply a stronger sense of innate cultural or ethnic identity tied to the language than 'first language'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. 'Mother tongue' is also common in both varieties. In formal contexts, 'first language' (L1) is preferred in both, but 'native language' is perfectly standard.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term is neutral. However, in contexts discussing linguistic rights or colonialism, 'native language' can carry stronger political/cultural weight than 'first language'.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English, where 'mother tongue' is perceived as slightly more literary. In British English, 'first language' is perhaps slightly more frequent in educational contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Person]'s native language is [Language][Person] speaks [Language] as a native languageto have [Language] as one's native languageVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not my native language (used to excuse errors)”
- “To think in one's native language”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in HR/recruitment contexts: 'The position requires a native language speaker of Spanish for customer support.'
Academic
Common in linguistics, education, and sociology: 'The study examined cognitive advantages in bilinguals relative to their native language proficiency.'
Everyday
Used in introductions or language learning discussions: 'My native language is Turkish, but I speak fluent English.'
Technical
In computing/software: 'The application's native language is English, but it supports multiple interface languages.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He nativised the software interface for British users.
- The child was nativising the phonology of the second language.
American English
- She nativized the curriculum for the local population.
- The company nativizes its products for each regional market.
adverb
British English
- The software does not yet function natively-language-specific.
- He presented his research natively in his mother tongue.
American English
- The system was designed to operate natively in multiple languages.
- She writes natively in both English and French.
adjective
British English
- She is a native-language consultant for the BBC.
- The study focused on native-language attrition in immigrants.
American English
- He provides native-language tutoring services.
- The app offers native-language support for over 50 languages.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My native language is Arabic.
- She speaks English, but her native language is Polish.
- Children often learn a second language faster if they are strong in their native language.
- I can read German, but I prefer to read novels in my native language.
- Despite living abroad for decades, she still dreams in her native language.
- The policy aims to help immigrants maintain their native language while integrating.
- Linguists debate whether true bilingualism can exist with two equally dominant native languages.
- The poet's work is characterised by the subtle influence of his native language's syntactic structures on his English verse.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a NATIVE plant that grows naturally in a region. Your NATIVE LANGUAGE is the one that grew naturally in your mind from childhood.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A HOMELAND / LANGUAGE IS A BIRTHRIGHT
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not directly translate 'родной язык' as 'relative language' or 'kindred language'.
- Avoid using 'native' alone to mean 'native language' (e.g., 'He is a native of English' is wrong; say 'He is a native English speaker').
- The Russian phrase 'владеть языком как родным' is idiomatically translated as 'to speak a language like a native' or 'with native-like proficiency'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'native' as a noun to mean language (e.g., 'My native is Spanish' – incorrect).
- Confusing 'native language' with 'national language' (which is the official language of a country).
- Overusing the term in contexts where 'first language' or 'mother tongue' might be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'native language' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most everyday contexts, yes. 'Mother tongue' can feel more intimate or emotional, while 'native language' is slightly more formal and common in academic/technical writing.
Yes, if you acquire two (or more) languages simultaneously from early childhood, you can be a simultaneous bilingual with multiple native languages. This is sometimes called having 'dual native languages'.
It is generally a neutral, factual question. However, in multicultural contexts, it can sometimes imply the person is not a 'native' speaker of the dominant language, so phrasing like 'What was the first language you learned?' can be more sensitive.
A 'native language' is one you speak fluently from childhood. A 'heritage language' is one tied to your family or ethnic background, which you may understand but not speak fluently. A heritage language can also be a native language if you are fluent.