Presenter: Zhaoyi Long

Language and Thought: A Study of How English and Chinese Monolinguals Explain Their Cognitive Processes

Type of Presentation: Poster Presentation

Abstract

My interest in this topic stems from the observed difference in reasoning and decision making patterns between English and Chinese speakers in daily life. Previous studies on language and cognition have suggest that linguistic structures systematically shape reasoning, perception, and decision making (Boroditsky, 2009; Hayakawa et al., 2017). However, existing studies focus on observable cognition outcomes, thereby neglecting the subjective connection between language and thinking. This gap is important because subjective understanding of language cognition links may shape cross cultural communication, learning strategies, and daily judgment. This study aims to answer the following research question: How do English and Chinese monolinguals perceive and explain the impact of their native language on their cognitive processes and decision making, and do these explanations differ across linguistic groups? To investigate this, a qualitative mixed methods design will integrate semi-structured interviews and guided cognitive tasks with 30 young adults participants (15 English monolinguals, 15 Chinese monolinguals). Through thematic analysis, the explanatory methods of different groups will be summarized. In the presentation, I will discuss the divergent matacognitive narratives, with English speakers emphasizing more individual and linear way of thinking, and Chinese speakers highlighting relationship and context, as well as the limitations include small sample size and restricted age range.

Biography

Zhaoyi Long is a first year student who is interested in cross cultural communication, linguistics, and cognitive thinking. Her academic interests focus on how the structure of language influences people’s reasoning patterns, perception and subjective experiences. She also enjoys observing the cultural differences that arise in daily life and communication, and pays attention to issues related to sociology. She hopes to continue exploring the relationship between language and thinking from a cross cultural disciplinary perspective in her future studies.