Have you ever perceived yourself as someone with a different personality or characteristic when speaking in your second language?
According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, a famous anthropological theory, language largely influences our non-linguistic cognition and perception. (Casasanto, 2012) It suggests that speaking multiple languages allows us to see the world with multiple angles.
At the same time, however, the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis claims language constrains our worldview, implying that speaking only one language makes us fit into a predictable set of thoughts and behaviors. (Casasanto, 2012) Even though it is hard to tell if we behave differently because of our unconscious efforts to adapt to a new environment or a perception newly given by the second language itself, this hypothesis is attractive enough to push us harder into Second Language Acquisition.
I do find myself having different characteristics when I speak in Japanese and in English. When speaking Japanese, I find my characteristics to be softer and humbler than when I speak English. It is clear to me that my thinking circuit in English is much more direct. I can recognise my “duality” from speaking two different languages, and I find it fun. Does the environment, living in Canada, make me different, or does the language itself create “another me?”
Either way, don’t you feel excited to believe that learning another language helps us to develop a new worldview? Second Language Acquisition is more than just learning a new language. It allows you to reinvent yourself.
Reference
Casasanto, D. [2012] Whorfian Hypothesis. [online] Oxford Bibliographies. Available at: https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199766567/obo-9780199766567-0058.xml [Accessed 20 February 2023].
About Cloud Nine College
Cloud Nine College is a premier vocational (Co-Op) college offering a range of specialized co-op courses and comprehensive Intensive English Programs, including test preparation courses for IELTS and general and business ESL courses to international students. It coordinates its programs uniquely in such ways that students can advance their education to the next level at universities and job opportunities.
CNC is also an online education platform offering online certificate, diploma, higher diploma, and postgraduate diploma programs progressing to online and offline undergraduate and postgraduate degrees awarded by various educational institutions and universities around the world.
Cloud Nine College started as a language training institution back in 2010 and now has expanded into providing career training programs:
- Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Diploma
- Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Certificate
- International Trade and Business Management Co-op Diploma
- Professional Sales Co-op Certificate
Learn more about CNC at www.cloudninecollege.com/
