Home Country

[Piscean]

I am just about to change my home country in my profile to the Czech Republic. I have lived there for the last eleven years, and I intend to saty here the rest of my life (if I live that long ).

It is my home country now, but I suspect some people may interpret this as being the place where I was born and grew up. Would country of origin be a better choice to offer?

[Raymott]

Yes. Seeing "Czech Republic" under your "Home Country" doesn't look right to me. But do you think many subscribers interpret "Home Country" in the way you have?
As it stands, I'd read your profile to mean that you are a native Czech, of British parents.

[Piscean]

I don't knmow, but I think it possible.

Although I was born in England and spent all but five of my first 57 years on the planet there, it is no longer my home (country), and has not been for eighteen years (although I visit friends and family there often). Indeed, I am thinking of applying for Czech nationality. This is why I suggested changing the classification to 'country of origin'.

[GoesStation]

Country of origin would be clearer, if not completely unambiguous. For example, my father was only three years old when his mother brought him to America. English is his second language but his English is indistinguishable from that of a native-born American.

[Piscean]

True, GS. There will always be difficult cases whatever term is used. Perhaps this is personal for me, as I now feel strongly that my home is in the Czech Republic.

[Raymott]

That might be true, but I think the profile is meant to give information that might be relevant to your linguistic status, not your sentiments.
As you say, 'Country of origin' would be a better descriptor.

[Piscean]

You are probably right. I'll see what the admins say. If they decide to stay with 'home country', I will, reluctantly, change mine back.

[emsr2d2]

I've been wracking my brains trying to come up with a term that would cover "Country where you grew up and learned to speak" but I really can't think of one. "Country of birth" doesn't work because you might move away from that country within days of your birth. "Country of origin" (for me) doesn't have a specific definition. I'm wondering if "Native language" might be sufficient - plenty of people grow up using a language that isn't native to the country they're actually in. I have several British friends who moved to France and Spain in the 90s and then had children. Those children were born in France/Spain but speak English exclusively at home although they are, of course, also native speakers of French/Spanish. Their home country would be France/Spain but their native language English (plus French/Spanish).

[Rover_KE]

I assume nobody favours 'Nationality'. Dual nationalities would of course be acceptable.

[Piscean]

As we have no choice but to accept countries from the drop-down menu, people with joint nationalities can select only one.