first language

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Pupils are recorded as having English as a "first language", or as an "additional language" in a number of other categories - including being "competent" or "fluent".

From BBC

Even today, "for people who have German as a first language, it's fairly easy to understand," said 66-year-old retiree and festival attendee Sabine Lioy.

From Barron's

The neighborhood around MacArthur Park is made up predominantly of working-class, low-income tenants who speak Spanish as their first language.

From Los Angeles Times

The couple were both first language Welsh speakers who worked in Welsh, spoke Welsh at home with their family and registered every significant life event including their wedding and the birth of their children bilingually.

From BBC

His parents didn’t speak English and taught him Italian as his first language.

From Los Angeles Times