Understanding Emotions Across Languages: A Bilingual Perspective
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Chapter 1: The Bilingual Mind
The question often arises: "When you think, do you think in Polish or English?" or "Are your dreams in English?" This curiosity reflects a deeper inquiry about bilingualism and its impact on our emotions.
For nearly a decade, I have resided in the United States, having moved here as a child with my family. Although I learned English in school, this was not the same as using it in daily life. One might assume I would primarily think in Polish, my native tongue, but I have discovered that I can seamlessly switch between both languages. This ability feels almost like a superpower.
Yet, this leads me to ponder: Do my emotions shift based on the language I use to think about them? Is my happiness in Polish distinct from that in English? Can I convey anger in English with the same intensity as I can in Polish? Does the Polish version of me feel deeper sadness when faced with upsetting news?
Albert Costa's quote resonates strongly with me. Conversations in English register in my mind, but the emotional connections are not as profound. In contrast, discussions in Polish elicit stronger feelings. This raises the question: If my emotional responses vary between languages, does the way I express those feelings also differ?
Section 1.1: Emotional Expression in Language
I believe the answer is yes. Articulating emotions in English often poses a challenge, making it hard to pinpoint what I feel. In Polish, however, I could easily craft an entire essay on my emotions. This disparity is frustrating! I attribute it to the nuances of language and the tone in which it is spoken. Polish feels more vibrant and expressive, while English often seems flat and mundane. Perhaps my feelings resist being labeled as dull?
Subsection 1.1.1: The Science Behind Language and Emotion
Researchers indicate that our emotional expressions indeed shift based on the language we utilize. It’s fascinating how our minds work! Words tied to strong emotions, like "happy" or "sad," resonate more profoundly when spoken in our mother tongue, leading to a deeper emotional experience. There exists a disconnect between our feelings and our second language, which is evident in both our descriptions and expressions of emotions. We tend to feel more connected to words we know best, which explains why our emotions surface more intensely in one language over another.
Section 1.2: Language as Identity
This phenomenon is both captivating and thought-provoking. At first glance, one might think language is simply a means of communication. However, it transcends that; our language embodies our identity, feelings, and emotions. It is a reflection of who we are.
Chapter 2: Emotions in Different Languages
In this chapter, we explore how emotions manifest differently across languages.
The first video titled "DO OUR VOICE AND PERSONALITY CHANGE IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE?" delves into the complexities of bilingualism and how it affects our emotional expression.
The second video, "Do the French feel? | Talking about feelings in French," discusses emotional expression within the French language, providing further insights into how language influences our feelings.