CURRENTLY ON AIR ⇒
  • No Show Scheduled

feedback@radioislam.org.za

logo


((( Listen Live )))))
Radio Islam Logo


Mother Tongue First Language – Part 4

The Difference between Mother Tongue and First Language

Here, mother tongue is basically considered to be the native language. This is the language that is spoken at home by the family, by the parents. The first language, on the other hand, may refer to the first language that the person learned. This could be that same as the native language and mother tongue, or it could be something different.

One may often be asked ‘what is your mother tongue’, or ‘what is your native language’, or alternately, ‘what is your first language’? Most people think that all of them mean the same thing, and in most common cases, they do. However, in certain cases, especially where someone speaks more than one language, the terms have different connotations that may mean different things.

As children grow up they pick up words, phrases, and eventually entire languages. These languages are typically the ones that are spoken at home. In the most basic situations, this language would be native language, their mother tongue, and their first language.

However, some of these children would start to learn a different language when they start going to school. They may even become more proficient in this language, since it is their primary source of education, than the one they speak at home. Furthermore, as they grow up, they may even pick up and learn more languages, perhaps becoming bilingual, trilingual, or even multi-lingual. This is where there confusion between mother tongue and first language start to arise.

Here, mother tongue is basically considered to be the native language. This is the language that is spoken at home by the family, by the parents. It is also the language that is generally passed down through the generations, and is typically the language that is spoken by one’s ethnic group.

The first language, on the other hand, may refer to the first language that the person learned. This could be that same as the native language and mother tongue, or it could be something different. The term is also used in the context of primary language, i.e. it is the language that someone is most comfortable with. Some people define this as the language the person thinks in, i.e. the language that the thoughts are in the first language. Again, this could be the same as the native language and mother tongue, or it could be another language that the person has become proficient in.

It is possible for people who grow up bilingual or multilingual to have more than one native language or mother tongue. Alternately, depending on what they feel comfortable with they may associate one language as the mother tongue, one as native language, and perhaps another as first language.

For example: A child whose native language maybe German, as his family is German, but as his parents migrated to UK, his mother tongue maybe English. But, he may have shifted to France as a child, and hence is more proficient in French than in the other two languages. So, he may actually consider French as his first language.

Comparison between Mother Tongue and First Language:

Mother Tongue First Language
Definition (Oxford Dictionaries) The language which a person has grown up speaking from early childhood. A person’s native language

Definition (Wiktionary) The language one first learned; the language one grew up with; one’s native language.
The language spoken by one’s ancestors. The first language one is taught to speak; one’s native language.
the language one feels most comfortable and capable with.

Definition The language of your mother, parents, and native group The language that you learn to speak at home or are most comfortable with.

Description Passed gown from generations, language that parents and ancestors speak Primary language, most proficient language, language most comfortable with.

ADVERTISE HERE

Prime Spot!!!

Contact:
advertisingadmin@radioislam.co.za 

Related Articles

Bilaadush Shaam

Bilaadush Shaam

Quick Recap: Shaam – the Land of the Prophets AS A Land of Blessings and Prophets (AS): Shaam — comprising Palestine, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon — is a region divinely blessed by Allah, mentioned in the Qur'an and Sunnah, and walked upon by many Prophets (AS),...

read more
The Land of Prophets AS

The Land of Prophets AS

Introduction: Why Is Shaam So Central in Our Sacred History? Shaam — comprising present-day Palestine, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon — is not merely a region on the map. In Islam, it is a land: Blessed by Allah Tread upon by the Prophets AS Honoured by the Qur’an and...

read more
The Chosen Land for Angels and Awliya

The Chosen Land for Angels and Awliya

Introduction: What Makes a Land Sacred? Lands become sacred not by politics or power, but by divine favour — by the presence of prophets, angels, martyrs, and the awliya’ (friends of Allah). Among all regions of the earth, Shaam — the area encompassing modern-day...

read more
Why did the Prophet ﷺ Love Shaam

Why did the Prophet ﷺ Love Shaam

Introduction: A Love Rooted in Revelation When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ loved something, it was never out of personal bias — his love was guided by Wahy (revelation). So when we find him repeatedly praying for, praising, and speaking of the land of Shaam, we know that...

read more
Bilaadush Shaam

Bilaadush Shaam

Shaam in the Words of the Prophet ﷺ When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spoke about places, his words were precise, intentional, and full of divine wisdom. Among the regions repeatedly mentioned in his sayings is Shaam — an ancient and blessed land comprising modern-day...

read more
Spiritual Reflections from the Hijri Calendar

Spiritual Reflections from the Hijri Calendar

The Hijri calendar is not merely a timeline of months and days — it is a map for spiritual growth. Each month of the Islamic year offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with Allah, reflect on one’s soul, and realign with a life of purpose. The beauty of the Hijri...

read more

Subscribe to our Newsletter

0 Comments