Language alter ego: what it is, how it is constructed and why you should develop it

Have you ever wondered why a friend or a relative expresses thoughts and behaves differently when speaking in another language? Many people even say that when one of their acquaintances speaks in another language, they "sound like someone else". This is nothing strange but their language alter ego coming to the fore.

It turns out that learning a language is more than just incorporating grammatical rules and vocabulary, because languages were created on the basis of a country's idiosyncrasies and traditions. Therefore, building a personality adapted to the culture of the language we are learning can be very useful to communicate better.

What is the “Language Alter Ego”?

First of all, it is essential to understand what the "alter ego" is. The concept "alter ego" comes from psychology and refers to a derivation of a person's dominant personality. In simpler terms, it is a "second self" or a second personality. 

When learning a new language, we should not forget that each language has its own "personality", which is tied to its culture. This is why many people say that when a friend or acquaintance speaks another language, he or she "seems like a different person". This change in our friend's or acquaintance's way of being is their language alter ego coming into action. 

In short, the language alter ego represents the different versions of oneself that emerge when we speak different languages, reflecting the unique aspects of each language and its cultural context.

Building a language alter ego boosts cultural intelligence, a key skill for performing in a global work environment (Source: Mapbox/unsplash.com).

Why should you build a language alter ego?

A language is more than a tool for communication. It is an aspect of society that reflects the culture, history and traditions of a country. The grammar and vocabulary of a language were created based on the idiosyncrasies and customs of a particular society. If you do your research, you will see that the meaning of words in your language have historical and cultural roots. 

For these reasons, building a language alter ego will help you form a sensitivity to the cultural norms and expectations of the communities that use the language you are practising. In this way, you will be developing cultural intelligence a key skill for effective communication with people from different cultural backgrounds.

How to build a language alter ego: five fundamental steps

Building a language alter ego refers to the process of developing a different aspect of one's personality through the use of a new language. This can happen when a person acquires and becomes more fluent in a new language and begins to adopt the cultural norms and communication styles of the language. Here are some steps that can help build a language alter ego while studying a new language:

1. Immerse yourself in the language and culture: this can include watching movies, reading books, listening to music and talking to native speakers. This exposure will help you to understand the cultural context and communication styles associated with the language.

2. Practise speaking the language regularly: engaging in conversations with native speakers and other language learners can help you develop more confidence in speaking the language. You can also practise speaking the language in different scenarios, such as ordering food in a restaurant, conversing with strangers and giving presentations.

3. Pay attention to non-verbal cues: non-verbal cues, such as gestures and facial expressions, can play an important role in communication and vary greatly between cultures. Becoming more aware of these signals and incorporating them into your communication can help you build a more complete Language Alter Ego.

4. Experiment with different communication styles: different cultures value different communication styles, such as directness or indirectness. Experimenting with these styles can help you develop a more authentic and nuanced Alter Ego of language.

5.Seek feedback: asking for comments from native speakers and other language learners can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your language alter ego.

On the Internet you can get content and information from all over the world. Use it to learn about other cultures (Source: Wes Hicks/unsplash.com).

Conclusion

Building a language alter ego is a gradual process which requires time, effort and commitment. However, the process can be a rewarding experience, as it can lead to a greater appreciation of another culture, better communication skills and a deeper understanding of one's own identity.