University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division
The Effect of Language (English/Spanish) on Bilinguals' Level of Extroversion, Empathy, and Biculturalism
Presenter Hometown
Frankfort
Major
Psychology
Department
Psychology
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Sara Incera
Mentor Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Powell, Emily G., "The Effect of Language (English/Spanish) on Bilinguals' Level of Extroversion, Empathy, and Biculturalism" (2025). University Presentation Showcase Event. 33.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2025/undergraduate/33
Abstract
Bilinguals have the ability to switch between two languages. Using two languages determines how bilinguals think, feel, and behave. In this study, we will give bilinguals a questionnaire that is half in English and half in Spanish; the survey will contain items regarding extroversion, empathy, and biculturalism. The goal is to determine whether answering in Spanish or in English changes the level of extroversion, empathy, and biculturalism of bilingual participants. We hypothesize that participants will score higher on extroversion and empathy in their first language compared to their second language. Biculturalism may influence the effect that language has on extroversion and empathy, as those with their cultures less integrated might show larger effects of language. These results will add to the debate on linguistic relativism –the idea that language affects how people think. The practical implications of these findings are likely to impact the lives of bilingual people.
Presentation format
Poster
The Effect of Language (English/Spanish) on Bilinguals' Level of Extroversion, Empathy, and Biculturalism
Bilinguals have the ability to switch between two languages. Using two languages determines how bilinguals think, feel, and behave. In this study, we will give bilinguals a questionnaire that is half in English and half in Spanish; the survey will contain items regarding extroversion, empathy, and biculturalism. The goal is to determine whether answering in Spanish or in English changes the level of extroversion, empathy, and biculturalism of bilingual participants. We hypothesize that participants will score higher on extroversion and empathy in their first language compared to their second language. Biculturalism may influence the effect that language has on extroversion and empathy, as those with their cultures less integrated might show larger effects of language. These results will add to the debate on linguistic relativism –the idea that language affects how people think. The practical implications of these findings are likely to impact the lives of bilingual people.
