Bilingual bonds

Abstract

This paper investigates the perception of 'being yourself' when speaking in the second language (L2) in the context of mobility-migration. Participants consist of 149 highly educated sequential Polish-English bilinguals who relocated to the UK at the average age of 23, and underwent processes of acculturation 1 . The independent variables in this study include acculturation level, social network profile, language of attachment in adulthood, language dominance, length of residence, predicted future domicile, gender, and age of L2 acquisition (AoA). The study employs both emic and etic approaches. The findings reveal strong links between the perception of being yourself in L2 and acculturation level, social network profile, language dominance, predicted future domicile, and language of attachment.The results show that sociocultural and psychological integration into the new society and culture are strongly linked to the perception of being yourself in L2. This study adds acculturation and attachment perspectives to current research on the perception of feeling different when using languages learnt later in life.

The talking cure—building the core skills and the confidence of counsellors and psychotherapists to work effectively with multilingual patients through training and supervision

“…The majority of multilinguals report sometimes feeling like a different person when using different languages (Dewaele, 2016;Hammer, 2016;Pavlenko, 2006). Panicacci and Dewaele (2018) found that feelings of difference and alienation experienced by Offering therapy in only one language can limit a patient's focus onto either the past or the future.…”

Factors Affecting Bilingual Learning

“…Similarly, Hammer points out the importance of self-identity in multilingual learning in her research [8]. There may be differences in an individual's sense of self and familiarity with their "true self" when using a second language.…”

“…There may be differences in an individual's sense of self and familiarity with their "true self" when using a second language. Conceptually, one's sense of identity is closely related to the "true self," which is affected by various factors [8]. Among these, the impact of acculturation on individuals' sense of self deserves particular attention, especially for those who integrate into social networks dominated by a second language.…”

“…In addition, research introduces the "language of attachment" concept, emphasizing the emotional bond formed by an individual and a specific language [8]. This concept is closely related to selfidentity and the "true self" [8].…”

“…In addition, research introduces the "language of attachment" concept, emphasizing the emotional bond formed by an individual and a specific language [8]. This concept is closely related to selfidentity and the "true self" [8]. Language of attachment goes beyond mere language use; it encompasses a deep emotional connection between an individual and a second language.…”