Arguing In A Non-Native Language Could Prevent Regrettable Comments
It was recently suggested by researchers that arguing in one’s second tongue may be a good idea, as it could prevent saying something regrettable.
In a recent interview with Boaz Keysar and Albert Costa, noted researchers on the relationship between language familiarity and rational decision making, it was suggested that arguing in one’s second tongue may be a good idea.
When discussing the matter on public radio station WNYC, a public radio station, Keysar referenced an experiment he performed involving language and logic-driven choices.
For the study itself, participants were given the option of flipping a coin for a payout of either $2.50 or nothing, or bypassing the activity altogether and walking away with a dollar.
When the proposal was made in the subjects’ native tongue, half chose to go all or nothing. That percentage jumped to 70 when the proposition was presented in a familiar, yet not primary, language.
Keysar emphasized that choosing to gamble was the smarter financial choice, yet it required that fear be kept at bay so logic could take over.
Costa noted that such a distancing from emotionally driven reactions could serve couples engaged in an argument well. Utilizing a second-language for communication allows more time for introspection, potentially preventing harsh and regrettable words from being said.
In a recent interview with Boaz Keysar and Albert Costa, noted researchers on the relationship between language familiarity and rational decision making, it was suggested that arguing in one’s second tongue may be a good idea.
When discussing the matter on public radio station WNYC, a public radio station, Keysar referenced an experiment he performed involving language and logic-driven choices.
For the study itself, participants were given the option of flipping a coin for a payout of either $2.50 or nothing, or bypassing the activity altogether and walking away with a dollar.
When the proposal was made in the subjects’ native tongue, half chose to go all or nothing. That percentage jumped to 70 when the proposition was presented in a familiar, yet not primary, language.
Keysar emphasized that choosing to gamble was the smarter financial choice, yet it required that fear be kept at bay so logic could take over.
Costa noted that such a distancing from emotionally driven reactions could serve couples engaged in an argument well. Utilizing a second-language for communication allows more time for introspection, potentially preventing harsh and regrettable words from being said.
Category
🏖
Travel