Keywords
inner speech
linguistic relativity
creativity
memory
identity
national
How to Cite
Abstract
Bilingual and multilingual individuals often report that the language they use can influence how they think, remember, and create. This research paper investigates these subjective experiences through a qualitative survey of multilingual adults. The study examines internal dialogue, problem solving, memory recall, creativity, and emotional associations across languages. Drawing on cognitive psychology theories (e.g. Vygotsky on inner speech) and empirical findings (e.g. bilingual cognitive advantages), we contextualize the survey responses. Most participants reported using their dominant or context-relevant language for reasoning and reflection, with switches to other languages when facing difficulties or seeking nuance. Abstract concepts (e.g., “freedom,” emotional nuance) were often easier in the language with richer vocabulary. Many felt “more creative” or emotionally expressive in one language versus another, echoing findings that bilingualism can enhance creativity through cognitive flexibility. Memory recall tended to align with the language of encoding (e.g. childhood memories in one’s first language). Notably, participants generally saw their core moral judgments as stable across languages, although research suggests subtle “foreign-language” effects can occur. The findings highlight that language use shapes cognition in nuanced ways. We conclude that bilingual experience contributes to adaptive cognitive flexibility: switching languages can aid problem-solving, creativity is modulated by linguistic context, and inner speech serves as a cognitive tool. These findings show the close connection between language and thought.
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