The first language a person acquires in life, or identifies with as a member of an ethnic group. This term variably means (a) the language learned from the mother, (b) the first language learned, (c) the native language of an area or country, (d) the stronger (or dominant) language at any time of life, (e) the language used most by a person, (f) the language toward which the person has the more positive attitude and affection (Baker, 2000). Also referred to "home language" or "mother tongue."