FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is a native language?

1. A language learned in a formal educational setting

2. A language spoken regularly in the home

3. A language that is only used for writing

4. A language that has no native speakers

The correct answer is: A language spoken regularly in the home

A native language is typically defined as the language that a person has been exposed to from birth or within the critical period of early childhood. It is the language that is usually spoken regularly in the home and is often the first language learned. This language plays a significant role in shaping a person's identity and cultural background and is usually the one in which an individual feels most comfortable and fluent. In contrast, a language learned in a formal educational setting is often referred to as a second language, regardless of the learner's proficiency. A language only used for writing may indicate a form of linguistic communication that is not spoken fluently by its users, thus not aligning with the definition of a native language. The concept of a language that has no native speakers contradicts the very definition of a native language, as it implies a lack of users who are fluent from an early age. Therefore, recognizing the home and social context in which a language is acquired is essential when identifying what constitutes a native language.