Multilingualism, empathy and multicompetence

Abstract

The present study investigates the link between multilingualism and the personality trait of cognitive empathy among 2158 mono-and multilinguals. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Statistical analyses revealed that the knowledge of more languages was not linked to cognitive empathy. Bilingual upbringing and the experience of having lived abroad were equally unrelated to cognitive empathy. Gender and education level were linked to cognitive empathy. Most interestingly, a small but significant positive correlation emerged between multilingualism (operationalised as advanced levels of proficiency in several foreign languages and frequent use of these languages) and cognitive empathy. Further analysis revealed that frequent use of multiple languages was linked to higher levels of cognitive empathy, which could be interpreted as an indication of multicompetence.

Intra- and inter-individual variation in self-reported code-switching patterns of adult multilinguals

“…In the present study, we focus on one dimension out of the so-called 'Giant three' ii , Extraversion versus Introversion, and two 'lower-order' traits, Cognitive Empathy and Tolerance of Ambiguity. All these three traits have been found to be associated with second language learning and multilingualism (Dewaele, 2012;Dewaele & Li Wei, 2012, 2013. We hypothesize that they are also linked to CS.…”

Attitudes towards code-switching among adult mono- and multilingual language users

“…The questionnaire was an open-access survey, advertised through several listservs, targeted emails to multilingual colleagues and their students in academic institutions (Dewaele and Li 2012). The introductory paragraph stated: 'The aim of this research is to help us better understand the link between personality and linguistic behaviour of people knowing one or several languages'.…”

“…People with high levels of empathy are better at understanding the intentions of others, are more accurate in predicting their behaviour, and are better able to recognise the emotion of their interlocutor. Dewaele and Li (2012) investigated the relationship between multilingualism and CE among mono-and multilinguals. A significant positive correlation emerged between multilingualism and CE.…”

Multi-competence and personality

“…We have argued that the growth of individual multilingualism, and the resulting multi-competence, affects not just an individual's cognition but also that individual's personality (Dewaele and Li Wei 2012;2013a). This is again a perspective that has been absent among personality psychologists for whom personality is more the result of the workings of nature than of nurture (McCrae et al 2000;Pervin and Cervone 2010).…”

“…Ozanska-Ponikwia and Dewaele (2012) found that Polish immigrants living in English-speaking countries who scored high on Openness and Self-esteem reported more use of English L2 and that Openness was a strong predictor of self-perceived English L2 proficiency. In other words, these personality traits boosted the development of the L2 and increased the speed of L2 socialisation The effect of multilingualism on personality traits Contrary to cross-psychological research where personality is the predictor variable, Dewaele and Van Oudenhoven (2009) Teenagers who reported to be dominant in two languages scored higher on Openmindedness, marginally higher on Cultural Empathy, and significantly lower on Emotional Stability compared to participants who were dominant in one language.…”