* Native language: This term emphasizes the language learned in the person's native environment.
* Mother tongue: This term is more traditional and often used in situations where the person's mother played a significant role in teaching them the language.
* L1: This is the abbreviation used in linguistics and other academic fields.
Here's why it's important:
* Cognitive development: The first language is crucial for cognitive development, helping with language acquisition, thinking, and communication skills.
* Cultural identity: The first language often reflects a person's cultural background and heritage.
* Social interaction: It's the language used for everyday communication with family and friends, making it essential for social interaction.
Examples:
* If someone was born and raised in Spain, their first language is Spanish.
* If someone was born in Japan and learned Japanese from their parents, Japanese is their first language.
Important Note: A person can be fluent in more than one language, but they will always have only one first language. The other languages they learn are considered second languages, foreign languages, or L2.