Your personality changes when you speak another language: sometimes it's noticeable to others

Have you ever wondered whether the language you speak affects the way you see the world? Well, according to a number of studies in psycholinguistics, cognitive psychology, and linguistic anthropology, it does. Languages ​​not only allow us to communicate, they shape our personalities and perceptions of the world around us, the publication writes. The Conversation.

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More than half of the world's population uses two or more languages ​​in their daily lives. The reasons vary - education, immigration, mixed families. But the fact remains: bilingualism or multilingualism is becoming increasingly common in our globalized society.

How does knowing two or more languages ​​affect how we perceive the world and ourselves in it? Recent research shows that each language can make its speakers perceive reality differently. Sometimes people may even notice changes in themselves when switching from one language to another.

Some studies have shown that bilingual people may behave differently depending on which language they speak. People who speak to them also perceive them differently depending on which language they speak.

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Emotions in different languages

If you speak more than one language, you process words that define or describe emotions differently. This depends on whether you are using your native language (the one you absorbed as a baby and which dominates your thoughts and speech) and your second language (the one you learned formally or organically).

The native language usually has an emotional advantage over the second language. Bilingual or multilingual people experience stronger emotions when speaking their dominant language, especially when recalling experiences in that language.

Some studies have shown that people describe childhood memories more vividly when they speak their native language, because that is how they label and remember these experiences. A second language, on the other hand, offers a degree of emotional distance, allowing the speaker to feel less anxiety or shame when speaking in difficult situations, such as when they need to express anger or apologize.

That is, the native language is perceived as more emotionally rich, while the second language is less expressive but more practical. This means that the expression of emotions in the native language is felt much more intensely, regardless of whether the emotion is positive or negative.

Another language - another personality?

The choice of language in which bilinguals communicate affects not only the intensity of their emotions, but also how they perceive themselves and others. The use of a particular language can influence the construction of discourse and reveal cultural and social aspects characteristic of the language communities to which they belong.

In a study of bilingual Chinese-English speakers in the United States, participants said they felt more comfortable expressing their emotions in English (their second language) because it had fewer social constraints. But they experienced greater emotional intensity when speaking Mandarin (their native language).

Therefore, a second language may have some advantages when speakers want to maintain emotional distance for both personal and sociocultural reasons. By expressing emotions in a language with which they are less emotionally connected, people may reduce feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, or personal involvement. This is especially true if a person’s native language comes from a culture that places a high value on the collective, meaning that these people are less likely to share feelings.

Language Proficiency and Environment

The level of proficiency in a second language plays a huge role. Parents prefer their native language to express emotions when talking to their children (for example, to scold them), which they know best. However, if they know a second language, they can also use it to express emotions.

The environment in which the second language was learned also matters. In cases where the language was learned in a formal or academic context, as opposed to a more organic one, native speakers report greater anxiety when speaking in public, even if they are technically proficient in the language.

Emotions, identity and language learning

Our life experiences, age of language acquisition, and context of language use influence how we process and express our emotions. Understanding these dynamics not only enriches our knowledge of language and the human mind, but also helps us improve cross-cultural communication and emotional understanding in an increasingly diverse world.

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This has some interesting implications for those learning or teaching a new language. If learners feel happy and satisfied with their sense of self in the target language (i.e. the identity they create in that language), this is key to helping them feel comfortable speaking.

Teachers can help their students stop feeling like “outsiders” in a new language. A learner’s attitude toward the language they are learning is crucial. It influences how we evaluate our experiences with the language, which in turn influences how we face challenges, how we perceive ourselves, and how we think others see us. The better this attitude, the greater the satisfaction with the process and the better the emotional connection with the language. The result will be a stronger identity in the new language. This will help you learn it more effectively and deeply.

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