The Independent Variables

Abstract

The present study rests on the assumption that basic emotions are neurologically based, originate through social interaction and that their expression is shaped by a wide variety of cultural, linguistic, situational and individual variables. The interaction of independent variables affecting the encoding and expression of emotion in a monolingual speaker is undoubtedly complex. Yet, the complexity of the interaction underlying the expression of emotion in a multilingual speaker is of a different order altogether. Multilinguals’ trajectories of acquisition and use of their different languages are unique, resulting in rich and varied conceptual representations (Pavlenko, 2005, 2008a, 2008b, 2008c). In other words, multilinguals are even more likely than monolinguals to express emotion and perceive emotion in a unique way because of the variable influence of their different languages and cultures. The objective of the present chapter is to present a series of independent variables that might contribute to the funnel of effects affecting the expression of emotion in multilinguals’ different languages, as well as their perception of their different languages and their anxiety in using them.