The Weight of Love: A Psychological View of Bilingualism

This study examines the psychological dimensions of bilingualism, with particular attention to the perceived Emotional Weight of a first language (L1) and a second language (L2). Emotional Weight is understood as the subjective emotional intensity associated with using a given language, especially when expressing or receiving emotion-laden words and phrases. Drawing on bilingual memory models, the Emotional Context of Learning Hypothesis, and research on language, emotion, and empathy, the study investigates how bilingual profile, English proficiency, and age of acquisition relate to emotional resonance and empathic response. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected through an online questionnaire completed by 60 bilingual adults aged 18–64. The study used a newly developed Emotional Weight scale and analysed the data using ANOVA, within-subjects comparisons, correlational procedures, and internal consistency testing. The scale demonstrated satisfactory reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.812. The results showed statistically significant differences in Emotional Weight across English proficiency groups (F(2, 43) = 7.71, p = .001) and age-of-acquisition groups (F(2, 43) = 4.63, p = .015). Empathy scores also differed significantly across English proficiency groups, F(2, 43) = 13.00, p < .001. The findings suggest that bilingual emotional experience is shaped by language proficiency, acquisition history, and the affective contexts in which languages are used.