It’s not the “native” defines how or when you learned to speak a language. It’s that how and when you learned a language that makes it “native”.
As a bonus, since this is English, “native language” also changes definition based on context. If you are filling out a form and they are asking demographical information, your native language is Cantonese. If you are filling out a resume and want to describe how well you speak English, then you can read/write English at the native level.
If you are in a casual conversation and someone asks what your native language is, then your answer will likely include a whole or part of the above story, to avoid confusion and to encourage more discussion. Essentially, both Cantonese and English fit your “native language” definition in that context.
It’s not the “native” defines how or when you learned to speak a language. It’s that how and when you learned a language that makes it “native”.
As a bonus, since this is English, “native language” also changes definition based on context. If you are filling out a form and they are asking demographical information, your native language is Cantonese. If you are filling out a resume and want to describe how well you speak English, then you can read/write English at the native level.
If you are in a casual conversation and someone asks what your native language is, then your answer will likely include a whole or part of the above story, to avoid confusion and to encourage more discussion. Essentially, both Cantonese and English fit your “native language” definition in that context.