kodusõna

Kodusõna is an Estonian term that translates directly to "home word." It generally refers to the primary language spoken in a person's home or within their family. For many Estonians, this is Estonian itself. However, in families where parents come from different linguistic backgrounds, or where other languages are spoken for cultural or historical reasons, kodusõna might be a different language.

The concept of kodusõna is important in discussions about language use, identity, and education in Estonia. It can influence a child's early language development and their connection to a particular culture or heritage. Understanding a child's kodusõna is often a first step in determining their language support needs in educational settings.

In situations involving immigrant families or mixed-language households, the term highlights the primary language of the home environment, which may differ from the national language or the language of the wider community. This distinction is crucial for understanding language acquisition processes and for designing appropriate language policies and support systems. The term emphasizes the familial and intimate nature of language use, setting it apart from public or official languages.