What was mother tongue?

The term 'mother tongue' refers to the first language a person learns and speaks from birth or early childhood. It is often associated with the language spoken at home by one's parents or primary caregivers. The term 'mother tongue' can be used interchangeably with 'native language' or 'first language'.

The usage of 'mother tongue' is not necessarily gender-specific, as it is not limited to the language learned from one's mother. It simply reflects the fact that, traditionally, mothers are often the primary caregivers for children and play a significant role in their language acquisition. However, it is important to recognize that the term 'mother tongue' might not be inclusive in certain contexts, considering that the primary caregiver might be a father or other family members. Alternative terms such as 'first language' or 'native language' can be used to promote inclusivity.