Understanding ‘Mother Tongue’ and Its Misconceptions

In the digital age, where information is abundant and easily accessible, many people still hold outdated views about linguistic terms. One such term is ‘mother tongue,’ which is often misunderstood. This article aims to clarify the true meaning of ‘mother tongue’ and dispel common misconceptions, particularly in the context of Asia and the role of linguistics in our understanding of language.

The Misapprehension and Its Prevalence

The term ‘mother tongue’ is frequently misinterpreted, particularly in Asian countries. This is not a trivial misunderstanding but a significant issue that has been recognized by linguists and policymakers. There is a widespread belief that someone who has spent their entire life in a particular country and speaks the dominant language fluently cannot speak their ‘mother tongue’ because they were not born and raised within their ethnic roots. However, this misunderstanding overlooks the true definition and scope of the term.

The True Meaning of ‘Mother Tongue'

Firstly, the term ‘mother tongue’ is often seen as an outdated concept. Linguists, the experts in the science of language, prefer the term ‘native language’ instead. The distinction between these terms is crucial and sheds light on the true essence of linguistic identity.

A ‘native language’ or ‘mother tongue’ is the language one is exposed to and has been speaking since birth. It reflects the language that was their first point of interaction, and they naturally learned along with their development. In a clinical sense, a prenatal fetus exposed to their mother speaking a specific language would develop an understanding, although not consciously, of that language. Hence, the term ‘mother tongue’ is more accurate.

Language and Ethnicity

It is essential to understand that a person’s ‘native language’ is not determined by their ethnicity. For instance, a person who is ethnically Japanese, but has been living in Germany since their parents moved there for university and have been working there for many years, would have German as their ‘native language’. In this scenario, Japanese would be their ‘heritage language’, the language of their ethnicity.

This understanding dispels the notion that one can lose their ‘mother tongue’. While it is possible to lose the ability to speak a heritage language due to various factors such as cultural assimilation or language attrition, it is illogical and impossible to lose one's ‘native language’.

Government Policies and Misapprehensions

It is concerning that governments have sometimes redefined ‘mother tongue’ to fit their political or administrative needs, thus further perpetuating misconceptions. Such redefinitions ignore the linguistic realities and can lead to misinformed policies and public perception. For example, in regions where there is a high degree of linguistic diversity, redefining ‘mother tongue’ to mean something other than the language one was exposed to at birth can create confusion and social tension.

Conclusion

Understanding the true meaning of ‘mother tongue’ is crucial for linguistic clarity and accuracy. By recognizing that ‘mother tongue’ refers to the native language and not the ethnicity of an individual, we can better communicate, respect linguistic diversity, and support language education. This understanding is vital in an interconnected world where language plays a significant role in cultural exchange and personal identity.