A first language, native language or mother/father/parent tongue (also known as arterial

language or L1), is a language that a person has been exposed to from birth[1] or within

the critical period. In some countries, the term native language or mother tongue refers to the
language of one's ethnic group rather than one's first language.[2]
Sometimes, the term "mother tongue" or "mother language" is used for the language that a
person learned as a child (usually from their parents). Children growing up in bilingual homes
can, according to this definition, have more than one mother tongue or native language.
The first language of a child is part of that child's personal, social and cultural identity.[3] Another
impact of the first language is that it brings about the reflection and learning of successful social
patterns of acting and speaking.[clarification needed][4] It is basically responsible for differentiating the
linguistic competence of acting.[clarification needed] While some argue that there is no such thing as a
"native speaker" or a "mother tongue", it is important[in what context?] to understand the key terms as well
as to understand what it means to be a "non-native" speaker, and the implications that can have
on one's life. Research suggests that while a non-native speaker may develop fluency in a
targeted language after about two years of immersion, it can take between five and seven years
for that child to be on the same working level as their native speaking counterparts [citation
needed].
On 17 November 1999, UNESCO designated 21 February as International Mother Language
Day.