Here's a breakdown:
* Native language: The language a person learns first, usually from their family and community.
* Second language: A language learned after the native language, often in a formal setting like school or through immersion.
* Foreign language: Any language that is not the native language and is usually learned in a country where it is not the primary language.
Examples:
* An American learning Spanish is learning a foreign language.
* A Chinese person learning English is learning a foreign language.
* A French person learning German is learning a foreign language.
It's important to note that the definition of a foreign language can be subjective, as it depends on the individual's perspective and the context. For instance, a person living in a bilingual community might not consider one of the languages they speak to be a foreign language.