Is English my Native Language?

Question

I'm applying for colleges right now and they ask me if my native language is English. I was born in the U.S., but I first learned Chinese so technically English is my second language, but I am entirely fluent. When I check that English ISN't my native language they ask many questions about submitting tests scores on English proficient tests and I have no idea what they are. But answering yes, isn't right either. So do you think I am a native speaker???

Answer 1

Yes. English is your native language because you were born in the US.

Chinese is your mother tongue.

Chinese has become your second language unless you spoke it first before learning English.

Answer 2

English Is My First Language

Answer 3

More important than what language you may have learned first in the home, is your language of Education, which is what the school is really concerned about. If you attended, and graduated from elementary, middle and high schools which were taught (only) in English, then you can argue that you are a native speaker, or have like-native competence sufficient to attend college level courses taught in English.



That is the question at hand, just as you've seen. You may need to contact someone directly, or issue a correction to that effect. One's native language is generally considered the first language that one acquires but you can see how in some cases, such as yours, proficiency in an acquired language may be equal to, or exceed that of one's native tongue.



For reference, "native language" and "mother language/tongue" are the same thing.

Answer 4

Ah.Very good question,when papers ask if your a native english speaker they are trying to ask if your fluent in the language.

Answer 5

Tell them you are a native born American, fluent in English

Answer 6

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Well, I live in Wales but English is my first language, Welsh my second as I was brought up on the English border!

Answer 7

They're both you're native languages, it doesn't make a difference. Say English and make your life less complicated.