Different Language, Different Personality
Why do we tend to feel like a different person when speaking a different language? There are two main reasons: language structure and culture.
Language structure. Different languages provide a different way to use the grammar to convey message in socio-cultural context. For example, in Javanese and Japanese language, the vocabularies shifts depending on when and where we are talking. When speaking to your boss or an older person, you have to use polite form of the language.
Language structure is also affected by the cultures and norms of how native speakers used it. For example, Germans are perceived to be straightforward and direct for a reason. It’s a shape of respect to the other person’s time. They value efficiency and honesty.
Culture. In a survey to more than 1000 multilinguals, 65 percent thinks that they feel like a different person when speaking different languages. The respondents also cited that they show different level of attitudes, perspectives, expressivity, and emotionality. A person who has a high degree of immersion and constant cultural norms exposure (like living abroad) is far more likely to experience ‘different personality’ phenomenon.
Those who have a high degree of immersion are likely to develop pragmatic competence. It’s not only understanding the vocabulary and grammar use. But it involves understanding of using the language in socially appropriate way.
We are adapting to the norms and standards to where we are living. In the US, qualities like assertiveness and initiative might be salient, being direct in Germany is appreciated, being humble and small-talk is cherised in Indonesia.
About emotions..
You process emotions differently in different languages. Some studies found that if you speak in your mother language, memories and experiences appear more vividly compared to the second language (either learned formally or organically). People feel more emotional intensity when speaking their mother language, recalling the memories the had in this language.
In contrast, expressing in the second language feels emotionally less connected, allowing speakers to convey emotion with less anxiety and embarassment. Learning non-native language builds new memories and experiences depending on the culture or contents you are exposed to. That’s why non-native language tends to be emotionally less connected.
For example, as an Indonesian, substituting “I don’t like this shit” with “Gue nggak suka tai ini” will feel more direct and rough while it holds a same meaning.
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