kotikielenään

Kotikielenään is a Finnish word that translates to "as their mother tongue" or "their native language." It is used to describe the language that a person learned as a child and speaks most fluently. The term emphasizes the primary linguistic upbringing and the deep connection an individual has with a particular language.

In Finland, the concept of kotikieli is significant due to the country's bilingual nature, with Finnish and Swedish being official languages. When referring to a person's kotikieli, it indicates which of these, or potentially another language, is their most fundamental linguistic tool. This designation can be important for various administrative and social purposes, such as educational policies or language support services.

The word is a compound of "koti" (home) and "kieli" (language), literally meaning "home language." It signifies the language associated with one's upbringing and family environment. Understanding a person's kotikieli provides insight into their linguistic background and cultural identity. It is a term used to differentiate between languages acquired later in life and the foundational language of a person's early development.