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?
Your typical adult can make themselves understood by their community better than a three year old which makes them better - not until around seven are kids fully able to communicate (when their adult teeth grow in and they can pronounce all sounds)
of course some english teachers use ‘big words’ and so are not understood. in that case I’d call a four year old better. (three year olds generally are worse)