Posted by TILEd
15 November 2025The next three blocks show language distribution. The first block shows distribution of ‘first’ languages among participants. First language means the language that the participant uses as their main language for work or teaching. It is not always the language of their place of birth, nor of their mother. This is why I use the label ‘first language’ and not ‘mother tongue’ or ‘native language’.
‘Second language’ in the same way, means the language that occupies the second most important place for participants, in work or teaching. This does not mean it is the second most important language in terms of emotional attachment or place in everyday life.
‘Third language’ follows the same principle: it is the language that occupies the third most important place for participants, in work or teaching.
The decision to present the distribution of languages individually rather than as ‘combinations’ is a conscious choice to protect participant anonymity. It was felt that in the case of particularly rare language combinations some profiles could become identifiable.
