1. The language a person learns first
This is the most common meaning. It refers to the language a person learns from birth, typically from their parents or primary caregivers. It's the language they feel most comfortable using and that comes most naturally to them.
2. The native language of a person or a people
This meaning is similar to the first one, but it emphasizes the connection to a specific place or culture. For example, the "mother tongue" of someone from France is French, even if they learned English later in life.
It's important to note that a person can have multiple mother tongues. For example, a child raised in a bilingual household may be fluent in both languages from a young age, making both languages their "mother tongue."
The concept of "mother tongue" is important for:
* Cultural identity: It connects a person to their heritage and cultural roots.
* Communication: It allows people to easily communicate with family and friends.
* Education: It's the foundation for learning other languages.
While "mother tongue" is a common term, it can be seen as problematic by some because it assumes a single language as the primary and excludes multilingual individuals. Some people prefer the terms "first language" or "native language" instead.