This is definitely a bit of a stupid question… but methinks this happens to a good number of immigrants. Asking because there is a bit of a funny philosophical debate here:

  • Technically the second language is not “native” by virtue of you not growing up with it
  • But you speak it better than your native language, so skill-wise it is “native”

So do you have “native” language skills, or would you consider yourself simply highly “fluent” at the second language?

  • Skullgrid@lemmy.world
    3·
    14 days ago

    I call it my “main” or “primary” language. My first language lacks vocabulary due to atrophy and stopping learning it after turning 9.

    I learnt german in school, and lost it all.

    I’m currently learning spanish