The Effects of Second Language Acquisition on Perceived Extraversion

Limited research has been conducted on the relationship between second-language acquisition and personality dimensions. The research that currently exists, however, suggests that speakers of a second-language exhibit mannerisms and personality traits that differ significantly from speakers of one language. One dimension of personality with notable differences across monolingual and bilingual populations is extraversion, or the tendency to be engaged in social settings. Many investigators in this field infer that cognitive access to two distinct dialects assists in robust language recall, and a tendency to use them both verbally on command. Extraversion was analyzed between monolinguals and bilinguals/multilinguals. It was hypothesized that speaking more than one language increases an individual’s tendency towards extraversion, and bilinguals who have greater balance, or less language dominance, have a higher tendency towards extraversion. The present research found no significant difference between monolinguals and bilinguals/multilinguals in this personality dimension. It can be concluded that personal circumstances may take precedence over the acquisition of the second-language as motivation to become extraverted.