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I often feel less shy about sharing personal details in languages I've learned (vs. my 'mother tongues'). Or similarly, I feel more comfortable lying.
by spraak 10y ago
I often feel less shy about sharing personal details in languages I've learned (vs. my 'mother tongues'). Or similarly, I feel more comfortable lying.
- sateesh 10y agoSomething along similar lines, I am not very comfortable in using cuss words in my native language whereas I feel less compunction in using cuss words in languages I have learned. In general I swear rarely, but when I do feel like swearing I feel it easier to do so in learned languages. Probably with my native language the cuss words trigger a stronger emotions, and making their usage repugnant (for me).
- maxxxxx 10y agoMe too. I also prefer public speaking in English over my mother language.
- Razengan 10y agoIt's the reverse for me. In fact, in the society where my mother's native tongue is the dominant language, it's the social norm to be reserved and "on your guard" vs. other people, to not show any weaknesses or be too candid. In English or Japanese, I feel liberated and free to say what's on my mind. So I definitely agree with this article's premise. I do believe that the feel, tone, nuances and the "taste" of a language defines its adopting culture and society, more than the other way around.