native language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “native language” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to one's native tongue, the language or languages a person is most comfortable speaking and understanding. For example, "I'm trying to become more proficient in my native language, Spanish."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What's your native language?

The New Yorker

It's my native language, of course.

The New Yorker

What is your native language?

The New York Times

His native language is French.

The New York Times - Sports

Your native language is fashion.

The Guardian - Business

His native language was German.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And forget French, her native language.

The New York Times - Arts

They need support in their native language".

The New York Times

The way one learns one's native language.

The New Yorker

English is not my native language.

The Guardian - Tech

OB: So what is your native language?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing language proficiency, specify the level of fluency rather than simply stating "native language" to provide more precise information about someone's abilities.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a person's "native language" is the same as the "official language" of their country of origin. A person's "native language" is the language they learned first, which may differ from a country's designated "official language".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "native language" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its role in identifying an individual's first language or mother tongue, as illustrated in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

29%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "native language" is a noun phrase that refers to the language a person learns from birth, often used interchangeably with "mother tongue" or "first language". Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, including academia, news, and science. While it maintains a neutral register, it's essential to differentiate it from "official language". When employing this phrase, aim for precision by specifying the level of fluency and avoid assumptions about alignment with the official languages of a person's origin. Semantically related alternatives include "mother tongue" and "first language".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mother tongue

Emphasizes the language learned from birth, closely synonymous but with a more personal connotation.

first language

Highlights the chronological order of language acquisition, focusing on the initial language learned.

primary language

Indicates the most proficient or frequently used language, possibly acquired later in life if different from the first.

original language

Focuses on the language initially spoken, sometimes used in the context of translation or historical linguistics.

vernacular

Refers to the everyday language spoken by a people, often in a specific region or community.

birth language

Emphasizes the language associated with one's place of birth or early upbringing.

heritage language

Highlights the cultural and ancestral connection to a specific language, especially for those who may not be fluent.

indigenous language

Indicates a language native to a particular region or country, often used in the context of aboriginal or native populations.

language of origin

Highlights the etymological roots and background of a particular language, usually within a country or culture

customary language

Refers to the language habitually used by a group or community, emphasizing its traditional or established role.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "native language" in a sentence?

Use "native language" to refer to the language a person learned from birth. For example: "Her "native language" is Mandarin Chinese, but she also speaks fluent English."

What is the difference between "native language" and "mother tongue"?

"Native language" and "mother tongue" are often used interchangeably to mean the language a person learns from birth. However, "mother tongue" can sometimes carry a more emotional or cultural connection.

What can I say instead of "native language"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "first language", "primary language", or "language of origin".

Is it appropriate to ask someone about their "native language" in a professional setting?

It is generally acceptable to ask about someone's "native language" if it's relevant to the context (e.g., assessing language skills for a job). However, be mindful of potential biases and ensure the question is asked respectfully.