Which of the following is "not" a characteristic of "Mother Tongue"?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) It can only be taught in a formal teaching situation.
Explanation:
The mother tongue is acquired naturally in the informal setting of the home. It does not require a classroom or a teacher; instead, it happens through social immersion and interaction with family members from early infancy.
Information Booster:
● Informal Acquisition: Mother tongue is learned through subconscious 'acquisition' rather than conscious 'learning'.
● Communication Focus: The primary goal for an infant is to express needs and connect with caretakers, not master theory.
● Natural Syntax: Children internalize the grammar of their mother tongue perfectly just by listening, without formal instruction.
● Spontaneity: The process is unforced and happens as a natural part of human maturation and social life.
● Early Onset: Exposure begins in the womb and continues intensely after birth, long before formal schooling starts.
Additional Points:
● Option (a): Correct characteristic – Meaning and social connection are prioritized over structural perfection in early acquisition.
● Option (b): Correct characteristic – While L1 has rules, the learner doesn't need formal 'instruction' to follow them intuitively.
● Option (c): Correct characteristic – L1 development follows a universal, automatic biological and social path.

So the correct answer is (d)