Bilingualism and Emotions: An Exploratory Study on Language Significance, Swear and Taboo Words, and the Phrase ‘I Love you’ in the First and Second Language

In recent years, there has been a growing interest among researchers in the relationship between bilingualism and emotions. Although many researchers have examined the influence of emotions on bilingual performance (Anooshian & Hertel, 1994; Koven, 2004) and second language learning and use (Dewaele, 2011; Swain, 2011), much remains to be explored regarding the way bilinguals perceive the emotional significance of each of their languages. The present study aims to explore the perception of emotions in bilinguals’ different languages, the emotional force of swearwords and taboo words (S-T words), and the emotional weight of the phrase “I love you”. The study also investigates participants’ language preferences for expressing their feelings and using swear and taboo words. Data were collected using an adapted web questionnaire on bilingualism and emotions (BEQ; Dewaele & Pavlenko, 2001-2003). The sample consisted of 143 bilingual students residing in Hungary. Results indicated that participants perceived their L1 to be more emotionally charged than their L2. Additionally, the perceived emotional force of S-T words and the phrase “I love you” was found to be higher in participants’ L1. Participants also preferred using their L1 for expressing feelings and S-T words. Statistical analyses suggested that the emotional significance of the L1 is associated with the L2 learning context, bilinguals’ self-perceived L2 proficiency, and gender. The findings imply that foreign language materials should include more emotionally resonant materials and that learners should be encouraged to use their L2 outside the classroom to enhance their ability to express their feelings and communicate effectively in the future.