Did you ever feel like you sounded different while speaking other languages? Or you had the impression that you are more open and less shy? It is quite common for bilingual people to feel like they are a slightly different person when speaking a foreign language. But does that really mean their personality changes depending on the language they use? In this article, we will talk about two studies that explore the topic of changing one’s personality while switching languages.
US Study
A US study on bilingual Hispanic women shows that bicultural people can unconsciously change their personalities when they switch languages. In the first part of the study, volunteers watched a TV ad showing women in different scenarios. Initially, women saw the ad either in Spanish or in English, and then in six months in the other. The outcome of the study showed that the women found themselves and others more assertive while they spoke Spanish. It means that people who are involved in two different languages and cultures can interpret the same event differently, depending on the language they use.
We already know that people can switch their interpretation of events and feelings based on the culture they were recently exposed to (cultural frame switching), but in this scenario, researchers provide proof that, for bilingual people, language is the trigger of change.
Polish Study
The study performed in 2012 by Ożańska-Ponikwia shows similar results to the US research. The study participants were Polish people who used English as a second language and were recently exposed to the cultural norms of some English-speaking countries.
Participants reported feeling different when speaking English. The results showed that people who were extraverted, friendly, and cooperative were the ones who experienced it the most. That suggests why some people notice a change when switching languages. It can mean that we experience alterations of some character traits while switching language, but our capacity to notice it can depend on our personality.
So, Do I Have a Split Personality?
Most native speakers may notice that their behavior, body language, or the way they see the world changes a bit when they switch languages. But don’t worry! It doesn’t mean you have a split personality. It is more likely that some personality traits influence your ability to notice changes in your behavior while speaking other languages.
Summary
According to multiple studies, bilingual people, as well as foreign-language speakers, often feel different when switching languages. This feeling seems to be strongly connected to exposure to the cultural norms of a particular language.
Research also suggests that people change their behavior, emotions, and feelings not because of a split personality, but because of cultural frame switching triggered by a change in language. Additionally, some personality traits can affect how conscious people are about feeling differently while using another language. It is probable that all bilingual and foreign language speakers experience this, but some of them simply don’t notice a change.
