Do you really know? Does our personality change when we speak in another language?
Jun 3, 2025
Explore the intriguing phenomenon of personality shifts in bilingual speakers. Personal accounts reveal how language influences self-expression, with some feeling more reserved in one language and more at ease in another. Discover the cultural contexts that shape these experiences, and ponder whether our true selves emerge only when we speak our native tongue. Tune in for a brief yet thought-provoking discussion on identity and language!
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Margarita's Language Personality Shift
- Margarita, a Russian-American immigrant, feels guarded and reserved when speaking Russian but outgoing and free in English.
- This personal story illustrates how switching languages can evoke different aspects of personality.
Frame-Shifting in Languages
- Research shows Hispanic women exhibit more extroverted and confident traits in Spanish than English.
- This reflects "frame-shifting," influenced by cultural perceptions tied to language use.
Comfort and Context Shape Personality
- Comfort level with a language influences how extroverted we appear when speaking it.
- Language-associated experiences, like home or work, shape different facets of our personality.