This is definitely a bit of a stupid question… but methinks this happens to a good number of immigrants. Asking because there is a bit of a funny philosophical debate here:
- Technically the second language is not “native” by virtue of you not growing up with it
- But you speak it better than your native language, so skill-wise it is “native”
So do you have “native” language skills, or would you consider yourself simply highly “fluent” at the second language?
I just describe it as “bilingual level”, because fluent is often used but can represent a range of levels depending on how demanding you are.
For me, fluent is what I’d describe someone who’s studied well and can live only speaking the target language. They may have a crappy accent, make mistakes but they know they can express their ideas and be understood and generally don’t search for words.
I’d use “native level”, but that can be a bit misleading too.
And so, that’s why we have exams/diploma with levels and such.
If someone tells you they have a C2 level diploma in French, I assure you that their command of French is worthy of respect even for a native French person.
If I tell you I have HSK3/4 even in Chinese, you know I’m nowhere near fluency, despite how well I can fake it with what little I do know! :P