Navigating 'Primary Language' in Job Interviews: A Guide to Confidence and Authenticity

The question 'What is your primary language?' can be a pivotal moment in a job interview. It’s important to approach this question with confidence and authenticity. Here's how to handle it effectively, ensuring that your response reflects your true heritage and personal pride.

Why Pride in Your Mother Tongue Matters

It is vital to answer that your primary language is your mother tongue. Being proud of your heritage is not only important but also helps in establishing a deeper connection with your interviewer. Your mother tongue is not just a language; it's a personal and cultural identity. As you step into a more democratic world, it's your right to express this pride and to share your cultural background.

Your Right to Use and Pass On Your Native Language

It is akin to saying that you have the right to continue using and passing on your mother tongue to future generations. It's a heritage handed down from your fore-parents, and it's incumbent upon you to cherish and value it. Unless you are offended by this assumption, there's no reason not to share this part of your identity. If you speak exclusively in English, simply state that it is your first language. This should adequately address any further questions.

Understanding the Distinction Between Languages

It's true that English is often hailed as a universal language, but your first language should be your native language. For example, if you're from Nigeria, your primary language could be Igbo, Hausa, or Yoruba. If you're from Korea, your primary language is likely Hangul. Identifying your language in this manner helps to establish a more personal and relatable connection with your interviewer.

Deciding on Your Primary Language

Deciding on your primary language can depend on various factors. For instance, if you are fluent in and use three languages equally, you might consider any of them as your primary language. It could also be the language you use most frequently or the one you initially speak to express a simple emotion or thought. Others might use the language they grew up speaking at home or the one they would use in a formal apology or explanation.

Addressing Multiple Mother Tongues

When dealing with individuals who are multilingual, the answer can become a bit more complex. For example, my wife and I have three languages in our household: English, Spanish (my wife's primary language), and Hebrew (which I picked up later). Our daughter is learning both English and Spanish simultaneously, making both her primary languages. However, the key is to choose the language that best represents who you are, your journey, and your cultural identity.

Technical vs. Native Speaker Considerations

It's important to note that your native language is the one for which you didn't need specific formal training. If you learned multiple languages as a child through natural conversation rather than formal instruction, you are a native speaker of all of them. This natural learning process can be incredibly beneficial, making the transition to formal learning or other languages much smoother.

Conclusion

Your response to 'What is your primary language?' is an opportunity to express your cultural identity and personal pride. By answering confidently and truthfully, you not only convey authenticity but also share a profound part of your life story. Whether you speak a single language or multiple, the key is to embrace your heritage and use it to your advantage in both personal and professional settings.