I used 'mother tongue' to describe in conversation my first language.
Are there any terms that are used formally or informally to specifically refer to someone's second language?
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- 1"L2" is another common one.AML– AML2021-01-25 18:36:19 +00:00Commented Jan 25, 2021 at 18:36
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2 Answers
Second language is a good term.
I have often seen target language too to speak about the language you are currently learning, but only when you're speaking about learning the language.
For English speakers:
- LOTE : Language other than English
- Second language. note: as stevec has listed also here
- Additional language
- Foreign language
- Language being learned
- Target language
While often referred to as the " mother tongue / language you know / first language / known language " these terms may be called "source language" in this case.
- L2
in this case L2 is standing for "Language 2" or "additional language". Where this terminology is used " mother tongue / language you know / first language / known language " is usually referenced by L1.
This terminology is also useful if you are wishing to refer to further languages being learned/known/referred to. ie. "They are learning L2 through their knowledge of L3." Where L3 is another language to L1 (first language) that they have already learned.
