Surprising Discovery: The Impact of Language on Decision Making

In a world increasingly interconnected, a fascinating phenomenon has been unveiled: thinking in a foreign language can significantly enhance our decision-making abilities. Recent research reveals that those proficient in another language tend to be more adaptable, less risk-averse and egocentric, and have a better capacity to cope with traumatic memories.

The Neuropsychological Basis of the Foreign Language Effect

This phenomenon, known as the "foreign language effect," has a solid neuropsychological foundation. Studies suggest that the process of switching between languages activates different brain areas and promotes increased activity in regions related to cognitive inhibition and decision-making. Moreover, thinking in a second language may reduce emotional activation, allowing for a more objective and rational evaluation of situations. This shift in brain activity may explain why individuals tend to be more utilitarian and flexible when making decisions in a foreign language.

An Illuminating Example: Utilitarian Choice in Moral Dilemmas

For instance, individuals are more prone to make utilitarian decisions when facing a moral dilemma in a second language. This could be attributed to the adoption of a more rational and less emotional perspective when thinking in another language.

Less Loss Aversion: The Power of Language in Financial Decision Making Additionally, thinking in a foreign language may reduce loss aversion and other cognitive biases, which can be advantageous when making financial decisions or navigating challenging situations.

Diverse Perspectives Languages construct thought patterns enriched by the grammatical logic they offer. This effect, known as "linguistic determinism," proposes that the specific words and grammar of a language can alter how we perceive the world. Thinking in another language enriches our perspective and makes us more rational in our decision-making.

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For Professor Boaz Keysar of the University of Chicago, who initiated this research, the inspiration was personal. Growing up in Israel and living in the United States for over three decades, he still finds Hebrew to hold more emotional resonance than English. Driving home from work one day, he began to wonder if this could influence our moral reasoning, often driven by intuition rather than logical reasoning.

PhDc Mauricio Bock

Institute of Neurocoaching

MBA and HR Master's Professor at ESAN Graduate School Of Business #Neuropsychology #DecisionMaking #Brain #ForeignLanguage