Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Examining Bilingual Language Control Using the Stroop Task
Published on: February 26, 2020
Language and the bicultural dialectical self
Helen C Boucher1, Meghan C O'Dowd
1Department of Psychology, Bates College, Lewiston, ME 04240, USA. hboucher@bates.edu
Abstract:
We examined the effect of language priming on naïve dialecticism, with special attention paid to effects on dialectical beliefs about the self. European Americans responding in English and bilingual Chinese responding in either Chinese or English completed several measures designed to tap dialectical thinking and dialectical self-perceptions, including tolerance of contradiction, change in thoughts and behavior over time and context, holistic beliefs, and self-concept inconsistency. As expected, those answering in Chinese reported greater dialecticism on most of these measures, relative to those responding in English. European American responses were highly similar to those of bilinguals responding in English. We discuss advantages of language priming and offer directions for future research.
Related Concept Videos
Self Within Cultural Contexts
Language and Cognition
Understanding Self-Concept
Social Foundations of Self IV: Self in Digital Communication
The Role of Culture
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
