mother tongue (B1)

noun phrase

Pronunciation: /ˈmʌðər ˌtʌŋ/

Definition

The language that a person has learned as a child, or the native language of the place you were born.

Examples

• Her mother tongue is Spanish, but she also speaks fluent English.

• Many immigrants strive to maintain their mother tongue while integrating into a new culture.

• The children were encouraged to use their mother tongue at home to preserve their heritage.

How to Use mother tongue

mother tongue (collocation)

The language learned from birth. — "His mother tongue is Mandarin Chinese."

Synonyms of mother tongue

Words with a similar meaning to mother tongue:

• native language
• first language
• vernacular

Antonyms of mother tongue

Words with the opposite meaning to mother tongue:

• second language
• foreign language

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