Cracking the code: why your personality can feel "lost in translation"

Learning a new language is like opening a treasure chest of opportunities. And when we talk about diving into the sea of languages, English stands as a big, shiny pearl. But you know what? Beneath the surface of all the language fun, there's something tricky we need to chat about – how our personality sometimes feels a bit lost in translation. In this article, we're going to dive deep into why expressing ourselves in a second language can be a bit of a puzzle, and how it affects us.

Talking Isn't Just About Words

So, here's the deal – chatting isn't just about throwing words around. It's about that funny accent you have, the way you use your hands, and the unspoken understanding that comes with it. Now, imagine trying to do all that in a language you're still getting the hang of. Tough, right?

According to Edward Sapir, one of the founders of modern linguistics and a pioneer in the field of anthropology, language isn't just a tool; it's like a secret code that holds your emotions and culture. And when you're speaking a new language, that code might not work as smoothly as it does in your mother tongue. That's where the "personality puzzle" comes into play.

The Tag Team: Personality and Language

Let's talk psychology for a second. Ever heard of the saying "you are what you speak"? Well, it's kind of true. Back in the day, a language expert named Benjamin Lee Whorf came up with the idea that the language we use shapes how we think about the world. Cool, right? And guess what – this thinking stuff may also affects how we show our personality in a new language.

So, there's this study by Chen & Bond (2010), and they talk about “cultural accommodation” to describe the idea that when we acquire a second language we also internalise a second culture, and that might be shaping our behaviour. Basically, it seems that the language we speak activates a set of rules and personality traits belonging to its culture.

Smooth Talker or Bumpy Ride?

Now, let's get real about fluency – how smoothly you can talk. It's like riding a bike. At first, you're wobbly and uncertain, right? But as you practice more, you start to cruise. Same goes for speaking a new language. Sometimes, we get so focused on saying everything perfectly that our natural charm gets lost in translation.

Other research on the topic showed that if you think you're not great at a language, you might come across as less outgoing when you're speaking it. It's like you're holding back a bit. But don't worry, that doesn't mean you're not awesome in both languages – it's just part of the learning ride.

Culture: The Secret Ingredient

Here's a twist in the tale – culture. Every language comes with its own set of sayings, jokes, and even body language. Imagine cracking a joke in English that makes perfect sense to you, but nobody laughs. Awkward, right? That's the culture factor. And it's another layer of complexity when it comes to showing your true colors in a new language.

Another established principle in communication research is “language accommodation”, which is looking at how we adjust our language to fit in socially. It's like changing your outfit to match the party theme. But sometimes, this "outfit" isn't quite you, and that's okay.

Embrace the Journey

So, here's the scoop – feeling like your personality is playing hide and seek in a new language is totally normal. It's like trying on a new pair of shoes – they might feel a bit weird at first, but with time, they become your own. The same goes for language. The quirks that make you unique are still there, just getting used to their new linguistic home.

To wrap it up, learning English (or any second language) is like discovering a new side of yourself. It's a roller coaster of emotions, with twists, turns, and a few loop-de-loops. So, when you're feeling like your true self isn't shining through in your second language, remember – you're not alone on this ride. It's a wild adventure that shapes not just the way you speak, but also how you connect with the world.

References:

• Chen, S. X., & Bond, M. H. (2010). Two languages, two personalities? Examining language effects on the expression of personality in a bilingual context. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 36(11), 1514–1528.

• Sapir, E. (1929). The status of linguistics as a science. Language, 5(4), 207–214.