Recent studies in psycholinguistics suggest that language can significantly impact how we perceive and express emotions, and it may even affect a person’s sense of self. For bilingual and multilingual individuals, the choice of language in which they communicate can change the emotional tone of their expressions.

When using their mother tongue, individuals tend to feel a stronger emotional connection, especially when recalling personal memories or experiences. This is because the language in which we first learn to label and interpret emotions carries more emotional depth. In contrast, speaking in a second language can create emotional distance, which may help reduce feelings of anxiety or shame in sensitive situations like anger or apologizing.

The emotional distance offered by a second language is beneficial in scenarios requiring a more neutral stance. For example, some bilingual people feel more comfortable expressing their emotions in a second language due to its relative detachment, especially if their mother tongue belongs to a culture that discourages open emotional expression. This shift in emotional engagement may allow people to feel more liberated or less personally involved when discussing certain feelings.

Proficiency in a second language also influences emotional expression. If a person has learned a second language in a formal academic setting, they may experience more anxiety, especially in public speaking, compared to when they use their first language. However, language proficiency gained in more organic settings tends to feel more natural and connected.

For language teachers, understanding the emotional nuances involved in language learning is essential. Helping learners feel comfortable in the language they are acquiring can improve their emotional connection to it, which enhances their learning experience. A positive attitude toward the language being learned contributes to a stronger sense of identity in the second language and promotes more effective language acquisition.