The Effect of First and Second Language Use on Divergent Thinking in Problem Solving

This study aims to explore the relationship of the language used when solving a problem, and the creative ability to find a solution for it. For this, participants completed a task in their first language, and a similar task in their second language and the results were evaluated on fluency, flexibility and originality. The findings suggest that the use of second language can be a disadvantage if the speaker does not use it fluently, while it can be an advantage for frequent users since it provides a separation from first language associations and conditionings.