Mother tongue mother tongue Meaning and Definition
Mother tongue mother tongue
Pronunciation
/ˈmoðər ˈtɪŋɪ mər ˈtɪŋɪ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person’s native language, the language learned in childhood and spoken fluently, is referred to as their mother tongue.
Etymology
The term “mother tongue” originates from the Middle English phrase “moder tung”, meaning “mother’s language”.
Usage Notes
The term “mother tongue” is often used to refer to a person’s first language, the language they learned in childhood, regardless of the language they may speak fluently as a second or third language.
Cultural References
The concept of mother tongue is often explored in literature and film, as a symbol of cultural identity and belonging.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Speak to me in my mother tongue”
Related Words or Phrases
- Language
- First language
- Native language
Collocations
- “My mother tongue is English”
- “I’m fluent in my mother tongue”
Frequency of Use
The term “mother tongue” is commonly used in academic, literary, and cultural contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Mother tonguee
- Mothere tongue