Do we make the same decisions in a foreign language as in our native language? Researchers at the University of Chicago (USA) have found that using another language when deciding eliminates prejudice , especially if the options are presented in a foreign language. The authors of the work, which has been published by the journal Psychological Science in its latest edition, suggest that the effect is due to the fact that thinking and choosing in another language allows us to distance ourselves cognitively and emotionally and, therefore, to choose with better criteria. Among other things, we are more willing to take risks that can benefit us, without as much fear of losing as we show when deciding in our own language.
According to the researchers, the findings indicate that deciding in a language other than native could be beneficial for both business decision-making and personal finances. “We would have less bias when it comes to managing our savings and investments , which would be beneficial in the long term,” says Boaz Keysar, co-author of the paper.
The experiment was carried out on three continents with 600 participants who spoke English, Korean, French, Spanish or Japanese.
