Does the language you speak change your personality? ―The story of "yourself" that changes in Japanese, English, and sign language

Image of the language switch

"I can speak confidently in English, but I tend to be hesitant when I speak Japanese."
"When it comes to sign language, for some reason, I come out as honest."
──Have you ever experienced such a strange feeling?

In fact, this is a phenomenon that is attracting attention from a psychological point of view, as the language changes and the personality changes.

🧠 Does it really "change your personality"?

The idea that language changes thoughts and expressions is also known as the "Sapia = Worf hypothesis".
When the words used change, even the way of thinking and behavior changes with it.

🌍 For example, this change...

The same person can have different impressions depending on the language they speak:

When you speak Japanese...
It gives the impression of being polite and reserved. They tend to be considerate of others and express their opinions reservedly.
Speaking English...
It gives the impression that he speaks logically and confidently. It is a style that says the conclusion first and clearly asserts one's thoughts.
Using sign language...
It gives a natural impression that allows you to express your emotions directly. Facial expressions and body movements are also part of language, making it easier to express your true feelings.

🔄 Testimonial: When the language switches, does the personality also switch?

The story of Mr. A (30s, Japanese/English/sign language speaker) was very impressive.

🇯🇵 When you speak Japanese...

"I'm surprised that the word 'I'm sorry' is like a mouthpiece (laughs).

→ Polite but a little reserved and not good at assertiveness.

🇺🇸 When you speak English...

"When I speak English, I naturally switch on 'I have to express my opinion clearly', and I can say yes/no directly, and it feels good to feel like I can be a confident person**."

→ Transform into a logical, confident character.

Using 🤟 sign language...

"Sign language is a "word" from facial expressions to body movements, so emotions come out naturally. It's like it's natural to speak honestly, and it becomes a very "raw" version of yourself."

→ An honest and open atmosphere where you can't hide your emotions.

✨ Language is the "Personality Remote Control"

Mr. A said,

"When I switch the words I speak, it's like I'm acting like a 'different me', but it's all the real me."

Indeed, language is not a translation tool, but a "personality switch".
The many faces in you are brought out by words.

🎯 Summary: Language Evokes an "Alter Self" in You

If the language you use changes, the way you see the world, the way you interact with people, and even your own behavior will change.

Isn't that very interesting?

💬 > "What words do you feel are the most like when you say them?"

📘 What is the Sapia = Worf hypothesis?

It is a theory put forward by the linguist Edward Sapier and his disciple Benjamin Lee Worf in the first half of the 20th century.

This hypothesis is based on the idea that "the way we think and perceive the world is shaped by the language we use."

For example

People who speak languages with complex tenses tend to be more aware of the future and the past.
People who speak a language rich in color expression are more sensitive to color differences.
In languages that express space in east, west, north, south, and north, we always live with direction in mind.

In this way, it is believed that "the words you speak affect your thought patterns and the way you pay attention."

Although not fully proven, it has also gained renewed attention in cognitive science and psychology in recent years.