How Cross-Linguistic Differences in the Grammaticalization of Future Time Reference Influence Intertemporal Choices.

Area of Science:

• Linguistics
• Behavioral Economics
• Psychology

Background:

• The Linguistic Savings Hypothesis (LSH) posits that native language grammatical structures influence economic behavior.
• Cross-linguistic variations in future-time reference (FTR) grammaticalization may impact intertemporal choices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of FTR grammaticalization strength on intertemporal choices.
• To test the predictions of the LSH regarding native language influence on economic decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Three studies were conducted involving speakers of five languages (Chinese, German, Danish, Spanish, English) with varying FTR grammaticalization strength.
• Participants made choices between sooner-smaller and later-larger rewards in financial and health scenarios.
• Multiple regressions were used to analyze the effect of FTR strength, controlling for socioeconomic and cultural factors.

Main Results:

• Contrary to the LSH prediction of increased present-bias, participants showed a preference for later-larger rewards (future-bias).
• This future-bias significantly increased with the strength of FTR grammaticalization across the studied languages.
• The observed effect of FTR strength remained significant after controlling for socioeconomic and cultural variables.

Conclusions:

• Findings challenge the LSH's prediction regarding present-bias and future-time reference.
• The results suggest a potential link between linguistic relativity and economic decision-making, specifically intertemporal choices.
• Further research is needed to determine if this effect reflects habitual linguistic influence or online decision framing.