Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
mother-tongue
Noun
/ˈmʌðər tʌŋ/
Definition
The language that a person has grown up speaking from early childhood.
Examples
- Her mother-tongue is Spanish, but she also speaks English fluently.
- Many people are proud of their mother-tongue and advocate for its preservation.
- Learning a foreign language can be easier when you already have a strong foundation in your mother-tongue.
Meaning
Typically, the first language that a person learns at home in childhood, which can shape their linguistic identity.
Synonyms
- native language
- first language
- dominant language
