Chinese language bilinguistic system supports the emotional resonance interpretation model of foreign language effect

Abstract

The mechanism behind the influence of a foreign language on the framing effect is still controversial, in terms of whether this influence is due to emotional resonance evoked by language or to the cognitive differences stemming from the language-switching process. We resolved this ambiguity by conducting two experiments with Chinese students. In Study 1 we verified the influence of language (English, Chinese, pinyin) on the framing effect in the decision-making process. In Study 2 we controlled for cognitive processing activities using language translation instructions (switching conditions) to examine the framing effect change in the decision-making process caused by differences in language statements. Our results show that emotional resonance was a crucial factor behind this phenomenon, and that cognitive factors were relevant when emotional resonance variables were controlled for.