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inang wika

ináng wika with stress marks

mother language

noun i-NANG WI-ka Compound origin Less Common

Usage Note

Inang wika refers to one's native or first language. The phrase is frequently used in educational and linguistic discussions in the Philippines, where multilingualism is common. It carries nationalistic and cultural pride, particularly in debates about using Filipino as the medium of instruction.

Examples

Beginner

" Tagalog ang inang wika ko. "

Natural Translation

Tagalog is my mother language.

Literal Translation

Tagalog the mother-language my.

Intermediate

" Ang Filipino ang inang wika ng maraming Pilipino. "

Natural Translation

Filipino is the mother language of many Filipinos.

Literal Translation

The Filipino the mother-language of-the many Filipinos.

Advanced

" Pinaniniwalaan ng maraming dalubhasa na mas madaling matuto ang mga bata kapag sa kanilang inang wika unang itinuturo ang mga aralin. "

Natural Translation

Many experts believe that children learn more easily when lessons are first taught in their mother language.

Literal Translation

Believed of-the many experts that more easy learn the children when in their mother-language first taught the lessons.

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