The Vietnamese word "bản ngữ" means "native language" or "vernacular." It refers to the first language that a person learns from birth, the language they are most comfortable with, and typically the language spoken at home or in their community.
In more advanced contexts, "bản ngữ" can also refer to the cultural and social nuances associated with a native language. For example, discussions about how dialects or local expressions reflect the identity of a community can involve the concept of "bản ngữ."
While "bản ngữ" primarily refers to native language, it can also imply the cultural aspects tied to that language, including traditions, values, and ways of thinking that are expressed through that language.
Understanding the word "bản ngữ" is essential for discussing language, culture, and identity in a Vietnamese context.