LANGUAGE AND EMOTION: A STUDY OF EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION IN MULTILINGUALS

Authors

  • Dr Naeem Fatima Associate Professor, College of Flying Training, PAF Academy Asghar Khan, Risalpur. Author
  • Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Afzaal Sign Language Instructor, Institute of Special Education, University of the Punjab Author
  • Zubair Hussain PHD Scholar, The Department of Education, Psychology and Communication Sciences, University of Di Bari Aldo Moro, Italy Author
  • Dr. Muhammad Khalid Mehmood Sajid Alkhaleej Training and Education at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Author

Keywords:

Emotional expression, multilingualism, cultural identity, emotional comfort, Pakistan, language choice, emotional intensity

Abstract

This study explores the emotional expression of multilinguals in Pakistan, focusing on how individuals express emotions across different languages. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining self-report questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and emotion-inducing tasks to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The research examines emotional intensity, comfort, and appropriateness in five languages—Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, and English—spoken by participants from diverse cultural backgrounds. The findings indicate that Punjabi is the most emotionally expressive language, offering greater emotional intensity, comfort, and appropriateness for intimate emotional expression. Pashto, conversely, was perceived as more formal and less emotionally expressive. The study highlights the significant role of cultural identity, language attachment, and social norms in shaping emotional expression, emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity in emotional experiences. This research provides deeper insight into how multilingual individuals navigate emotional landscapes through language.

 

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Published

2024-11-17

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 4 (2024): (JALT)

Section

Articles