Exploring How Language Shapes Personality: A Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: The Multilingual Influence
Growing up, I observed a fascinating dynamic in my father, an Italian-American French professor. Communicating in Italian with his parents, and in French and English with our family, he appeared to embody three distinct personas. In English, he often seemed a bit anxious; in Italian, he exuded calm seriousness; while in French, he transformed into a playful and animated character. This experience led me to believe that the languages we speak can indeed shape our identities.
The advantages of being multilingual are clear. Recent research indicates that polyglots tend to learn new languages more efficiently than their monolingual or bilingual counterparts. Furthermore, studies have shown that multilingualism is positively linked to traits such as adaptability, social initiative, and open-mindedness. However, the question remains: does speaking multiple languages alter our personalities?
A study conducted in 2008 by researchers at Baruch College and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee revealed that while different languages may not fundamentally change a person's personality, they activate various culture-specific frameworks. For instance, bicultural Hispanic-American women reported feeling more assertive when conversing in Spanish compared to English. Their perceptions also shifted; an advertisement featuring a Spanish-speaking character was seen as portraying a bold, independent woman, while the same ad in English painted her as lonely and confused.
In a similar vein, participants on NPR’s “Latino USA” discussed how English represented authority due to its use in academic settings, while Spanish was associated with leisure and play. One guest even noted that although she thinks in both languages, her emotions are primarily expressed in Spanish.
The research suggests that rather than our personalities shifting with different languages, certain traits are highlighted depending on our cultural context and language usage in daily life. Essentially, we adapt our personalities to fit our linguistic and cultural surroundings.
Which elements of your personality emerge in different languages? This can be explored through questions such as: - In which language did you receive your education? - Which language do you express anger in? - What language serves as your secret communication? - Which language allows for playful expression? - Which language feels less constrained?
Section 1.1: My Third-Language Experience
English is my native language; I grew up immersed in it, whether arguing with my brother, expressing emotions to my parents, or engaging in playful banter. My parents, both French educators, instilled a love for the language through various activities. We spent time in France during my father's sabbatical, where we watched French educational programs and listened to French music. I attended a bilingual school and even participated in a home-stay in France.
Despite not living in France long enough to achieve full fluency, I developed a child-like proficiency in French, associating it with many childhood memories. After two years of studying Italian and a year of living in Italy, I find French remains my instinctual second language, though I feel Italian is becoming more ingrained.
Reflecting on my experiences, I would answer the questions as follows: - I express anger in English. - French is my secret language. - I feel playful yet constrained in French. - Italian serves as my playful, imaginative language. - I feel liberated and less inhibited when speaking Italian.
Even though I am more articulate in English, I find a surprising sense of openness and ease in Italian. For example, I often felt anxious about barbers in the U.S. using straight razors; however, I felt completely at ease during my first Italian haircut with Mimmo, my local barber.
This newfound freedom extends to other areas of my life as well. A medical issue that had caused me anxiety in the U.S. felt manageable in Italy. Speaking Italian seems to lift an invisible barrier, allowing me to engage with strangers, ask questions, and enjoy spontaneous conversations. In this way, I adopt a more playful and optimistic persona.
I anticipate further exploration of this phenomenon as my Italian proficiency increases, potentially leading to a more serious use of the language as I navigate more complex emotional situations. Regardless, it's evident that my experiences with a third language have broadened my perspective, revealing new dimensions of my personality.
Chapter 2: The Impact of Language on Self-Perception
The first video titled "Why Your Personality Changes When Speaking Another Language" delves into how bilingualism can influence self-perception and behavior in different linguistic contexts.
The second video, "Does Speaking a Foreign Language Change Your Personality? | Vlog #24," presents personal anecdotes and insights regarding the interplay between language and personality traits.