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

Because we use our native language daily over decades, these patterns become deeply embedded, making communication smoother and less demanding.

From Science Daily

Jonah was thinking that maybe English wasn’t his native language, after all.

From Literature

"But I think that some basic knowledge, such as mathematics, should be taught in one's native language."

From Barron's

Encouraged by her lecturers in the Netherlands, Róis began exploring her Irish heritage more deeply and has since committed to learning and performing in her native language.

From BBC

For its founders, the Go family, the mission was simple: to provide a market where Filipinos and people within the diaspora could comfortably speak their native language and buy familiar products.

From Los Angeles Times