native language

American  

[ney-tiv lang-gwij] / ˈneɪ tɪv ˈlæŋ gwɪdʒ /

Often first language

noun

1. a language that a person acquires fully through extensive exposure in childhood.

   Many Diné children learn Navajo as a native language.

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Etymology

Origin of native language

First recorded in 1425–75 as natife langage

Example Sentences

“Living on a numbered street, I thought this is a great opportunity to include Native language with these basic terms that we’re all familiar with around the city.”

From Seattle Times • Dec. 19, 2023

That name, meaning “the great one” or “the high one” in the Alaska Native language Koyukon, pays tribute to the state’s Indigenous population.

From New York Times • Jun. 13, 2022

"Every time you say the name of this state — and several others — you're speaking a Native language."

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2021

He said the segment “honors Native language and song” and that it “brings tears to my eyes.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2019

Many of these students have Native language skills.

From Washington Times • Oct. 22, 2016