Definition of the word target language

The term "target language" originated in language education as a way to describe the language a student is learning as opposed to the language they are already proficient in, which is referred to as their "native language" or "mother tongue". The concept of a "target language" highlights the fact that learning a new language is a deliberate, goal-oriented process, with the ultimate aim being to become proficient in the new language. In educational contexts, the term is often used as a shorthand way of referring to the language being studied in a language course or program, and it's an important concept to understand as it helps learners to focus on acquiring the skills they need to communicate effectively in the target language. By setting clear goals and working towards proficiency in a target language, learners are better equipped to communicate with speakers of that language in real-life situations, both now and in the future.