Over 60% of the world’s population now speaks two or more languages. One exciting area of linguistic science is the idea that polyglots (individuals who speak multiple languages) often feel that they have “multiple personalities” – one per language. For example, a person who speaks both Spanish and English may feel or even come off as a different person to others when they speak their native language as opposed to their second language. But are polyglots actually experiencing a change in personality, or is there another scientific explanation for this phenomenon?
How Does Language Affect Perception and Identity?
The question of whether or not a polyglot’s brain actually contains multiple personalities has been a question that scientists and linguists have been attempting to answer for almost a century. One of the earliest studies on the topic was conducted in the 1960s by social psychologist Susan Ervin-Tripp who studied the effects of language on decision-making. Ervin-Tripp worked primarily with bilingual Japanese-American women asking them to complete a series of statements:
- When my wishes conflict with my family, –
- I will probably become –
- Real friends should –
Depending on the language that the woman answered in, Ervin-Tripp noticed that the answer given was usually different. If the woman answered in Japanese, she noticed answers such as:
- “–it is a time of great unhappiness.”
- “–a housewife.”
- “–help each other.”
However, if the woman answered in English, she noticed responses like:
- “–I do what I want.”
- “–a teacher.”
- “–be very frank.”
The explanation that Ervin-Trip concluded was that a polyglot’s language has a direct effect on how they choose to respond. The reasoning is likely because of the way that a speaker of multiple languages attributes each one to a particular culture. In the case of the bilingual Japanese-American women in this study, they likely associated the Japanese language with a more subservient, collectivist, and conservative culture. In contrast, they likely associated the English language with American culture, which values individualism, explicitness, and less stringently defined gender roles.
Multiple Personalities or Multiple Contexts?
Many polyglots may feel that they have “multiple personalities” depending on what language they’re speaking, but does science confirm this? The answer depends on how you personally define the word, “personality.” The American Psychological Association defines “personality” in the APA Dictionary of Psychology as:
“…[T]he enduring characteristics and behavior that comprise a person’s unique adjustment to life, including major traits, interests, drives, values, self-concept, abilities, and emotional patterns. Various theories explain the structure and development of personality in different ways, but all agree that personality helps determine behavior.”
As limited studies have shown that speaking a different language can in fact alter their “unique adjustment to life, “values,” and “emotional patterns”, it could reasonably be assumed that yes, bilingual individuals could experience a “change” in personality when communicating in a language other than their own. However, it’s less likely that the reason for this is solely due to the act of speaking a different language and more likely to do with the cultural context of the conversation taking place.
As humans, we are often hardwired to relate positively with our peers, regardless of the culture we find ourselves interacting in. This is commonly known as “codeswitching,” the adjustment of one’s personality or decisions based on the dominant culture. In simpler terms, the Japanese-American women in Susan Ervin-Trip’s experiments may have been trying to “fit in” when giving their answers because they wanted to appease (consciously or subconsciously) their interviewer with an answer they perceived them to expect.
Language itself can act as a trigger for this “group mentality” due to the cultural association but the underlying reason that a bilingual person may process the same conversation differently depending on the languages spoken is still the culture itself.
The Reflection of Culture in Language
While the most likely explanation of a person’s change in personality when speaking a different language is the cultural context, it is worth discussing the relationship between culture and language itself and how there are some ways that they may influence each other.
Culture and language are deeply interconnected, with language acting as a reflection of a society’s values, beliefs, and worldview. The words, phrases, and structures within a language often reveal what is important to a particular culture. For instance, the presence of multiple words for a single concept in one language may indicate its cultural significance. A well-known example is the Inuit languages, which have numerous terms for different types of snow, reflecting the importance of snow in their daily lives.
Language also captures cultural nuances in the way people communicate emotions, time, and relationships. In some languages, like Spanish, there’s a clear distinction between formal and informal “you” (usted vs. tú), which mirrors cultural norms around respect and familiarity. In contrast, English lacks such a distinction, reflecting a more individualistic society, especially in the United States. When a person is speaking a different language, the language and the word choice itself may reflect a different mindset than if they were communicating in their native language. Repetition of the same phrasing for a long period of time may even change the person’s outlook and mindset, though not any more than any other form of cultural exchange.
Should Second Language Learners Be Concerned About These Effects?
For individuals learning a second language, the way language can shape personality and identity is a fascinating and important consideration. While fluency in another language opens doors to new cultures and perspectives, it’s essential to be aware of the psychological and social dynamics that can accompany the learning process. Here are some key points that second language learners should be mindful of:
- Cultural Adaptation vs. Identity Shift: Speaking another language may influence your behavior, but it doesn’t change your core personality. It’s more about adapting to the culture tied to the language.
- Code-Switching: You may adjust how you speak based on social context. This is a natural response to cultural cues and helps you navigate different environments.
- Emotional Expression: Each language offers unique ways to express emotions. You might find it easier or harder to communicate feelings, depending on the language’s norms.
- Thought Patterns: Learning a new language can subtly shift your thinking and problem-solving. Stay aware of these shifts while valuing how your native language shapes your perspective.
Being aware of these factors, second language learners can more easily navigate the complexities of language acquisition while appreciating the ways in which language and culture influence their self-perception.
