Bilingualism Builds Empathy

Bilingualism builds empathy

In our previous post, we examined the cognitive advantages of learning a second language.  Today, let’s explore another important benefit: enhancing our children’s empathy.  Beyond boosting brain power, bilingualism offers this profound and often overlooked advantage.  The ability to speak and think in multiple languages can improve interpersonal understanding, cultural awareness and emotional intelligence. 

What is Empathy?

Empathy is the capacity to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves putting oneself in someone else’s shoes, recognizing their emotions, and responding compassionately. While empathy is a natural human trait, bilingualism offers unique opportunities to deepen this skill.

Perspective-Taking

One of the most significant ways bilingualism enhances empathy is by encouraging perspective-taking. Language is not just a tool for communication; it’s a lens through which people view the world. Different languages encode unique cultural norms, values, and ways of thinking. When bilingual individuals switch languages, they often shift their perspective to align with the cultural context of that language.

For example, researchers like Keysar et al. (2012) have shown that bilinguals are better at understanding the mental states of others, a skill known as "theory of mind." This enhanced capacity arises because bilinguals constantly navigate linguistic and cultural nuances, making them more attuned to others’ viewpoints.

One of our favorite articles on this subject is from the New York Times in 2016, showing that babies as young as 14 months old and raised in a multilingual environment are better able to appreciate the perspectives of others than their monolingual peers.  Check it out here: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/13/opinion/sunday/the-superior-social-skills-of-bilinguals.html

Heightened Cultural Awareness

Learning a second language at a school like YingHua International School involves exposure to the history, traditions, and customs of another culture. This cultural immersion builds awareness and appreciation for diversity, reducing stereotypes and fostering open-mindedness. A study by Degani and Tokowicz (2010) found that bilingual individuals are more likely to approach intercultural interactions with curiosity rather than judgment, making them more empathetic communicators.  (Any Ted Lasso fans out there?  “Be curious, not judgmental” is a quote that the show attributes to Walt Whitman, and it resonates as the show’s namesake navigates two cultures.)

Improved Communication Skills

Bilinguals are skilled at interpreting context, tone, and nonverbal cues—abilities essential for effective communication and empathy. Because language proficiency often varies across contexts, bilinguals develop a heightened sensitivity to others’ communication needs. They adapt their speech patterns to accommodate their conversational partner’s linguistic abilities, fostering mutual understanding (Grosjean 2010). 

Emotional Resonance

Language influences how people express and process emotions. Studies suggest that bilinguals often associate different emotional intensities with each of their languages. This duality can lead to a deeper emotional awareness, as bilinguals navigate how emotions are expressed differently across languages and cultures. This nuanced understanding of emotions enhances their ability to empathize with others (Pavlenko 2014).

Cognitive Flexibility and Empathy

Bilingualism strengthens cognitive flexibility, the ability to switch between tasks or adapt to new situations. This mental agility is directly tied to empathy. When bilinguals shift between languages, they practice considering different perspectives and adapting to varying social norms. Research by Bialystok and Craik (2010) highlights how this cognitive flexibility supports better problem-solving and conflict resolution—skills rooted in empathy.

Real-World Implications

The empathy nurtured by bilingualism has practical implications across fields:

• Healthcare: Bilingual doctors and nurses are better equipped to understand and address patients’ concerns across cultural and linguistic barriers.
• Education: Bilingual teachers can connect with diverse students more effectively, creating inclusive learning environments.
• Global Business: Multilingual professionals excel in international teams by fostering cross-cultural collaboration and understanding.

Conclusion

Bilingualism is more than a practical skill; it’s a bridge to deeper human connections. By fostering perspective-taking, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence, bilingual individuals enhance their capacity for empathy in profound ways. As our global society becomes increasingly diverse, the empathetic edge provided by bilingualism is not just valuable—it’s essential.

Want to learn more?  Check out this compelling article from NPR (https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/11/29/497943749/6-potential-brain-benefits-of-bilingual-education), or dig into the references from this post below.  Happy reading!

References

• Bialystok, E., & Craik, F. I. M. (2010). Cognitive and linguistic processing in the bilingual mind. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 19(1), 19-23. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721409358571
• Degani, T., & Tokowicz, N. (2010). Semantic ambiguity within and across languages: An integrative review. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 63(7), 1266-1303. https://doi.org/10.1080/17470210903377372
• Grosjean, F. (2010). Bilingual: Life and reality. Harvard University Press. https://doi.org/10.4159/9780674056459 
• Keysar, B., Hayakawa, S. L., & An, S. G. (2012). The foreign-language effect: Thinking in a foreign tongue reduces decision biases. Psychological Science, 23(6), 661-668. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797611432178
• Pavlenko, A. (2014). The bilingual mind and what it tells us about language and thought. Cambridge University Press.