Why You Are More Likely To Lie In Your Second Language

New research shows that the way bilingual people think about things actually changes from one language to the other. Even when we know things to be false, we defend them in our secondary language to make ourselves feel better.

People who speak two or more languages use them differently

Many people are able to fully converse in more than one language. People often use each of their languages for different things – maybe using one when relaxing with family, and using other languages in their professional lives. For many people who speak more than one language on a daily basis, this can impact upon how they are perceived and how they perceive themselves.

You are more likely to lie in your second language

Bilingual people are more emotionally attached to their primary language

You are less likely to see the truth in another language

People don’t accept the same thing in both languages

It used to be thought that people who speak two or more languages would think the same across all of them. That is to say that the meaning of something wouldn’t change, regardless of which language was being spoken. New research shows that this might not be the case, suggesting that people might change their views in one language if it makes them feel good or bad about their preferred culture, and that they might defend whichever culture they feel more emotional towards.

You’re less likely to see the truth in your second language

New research shows that we are more likely to lie in our second language

In a test, bilinguals were presented with several positive and negative statements about their native country (Wales), both in Welsh and in English. When all the statements were true and positive and read in both languages, they agreed. When the statements were negative, however, they defended them more when they were read in English than in Welsh. The conclusion was that humans are more emotive in their native language and therefore honest. Conversely, they are more rational and distant in their second language and, therefore, find it much easier to distance themselves from the truth when it isn’t to their liking.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.