First Language (L1) vs Native Language: My Linguistic Identity Crisis

Is there a difference between first language (L1) and native language?  For many people, especially those from culturally homogeneous countries, there isn’t.  Take Icelanders for example.  Their native language (Icelandic) is the first language (Icelandic again) they have learned.  But what about people who are immigrants like me?  Or people from bi- or multilingual countries?

My linguistic identity crisis started when I had to fill out a form.  It asked for my native language.   Before I go on, some personal history is required.  I was monolingual before I moved to the USA at age of 12.  It was a good age for me.  I had a solid knowledge of my first language.  Being immersed in an English-speaking environment even at 12 years old was still good for learning… English.  All my education since has been conducted in English.

So what is my native language?  After a careful evaluation of my language proficiency, I must say it is English.  No, it is not the first language I learned, but it is the language that I am most proficient in and use primarily.  That is not to say that I have forgotten my L1.  On the contrary, I try my best to stop my L1 language loss.  I read newspapers and watch TV programs.  My speaking skill has been certified to be at least “superior” by language teachers.  You might notice a tiny bit of American accent when I am speaking and I am not thrilled with it at all.  Writing a paragraph…however…might take me hours to look up words in the dictionary!

Now that I know what my native language is, my next question is…can I have more than 1?  I hope so.  I hope I can claim my L1 and English as my native languages one day.

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