WORDS AND SENSIBILITY: EXPRESSING EMOTION THROUGH LANGUAGE
WORDS AND SENSIBILITY: EXPRESSING EMOTION THROUGH LANGUAGE

Author(s): Alexandra Monica Toma
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Psychology, Experimental Pschology, Theory of Literature, Sociology of Literature
Published by: CEEOLPRESS
Keywords: language and emotion; linguistic relativity; Conceptual Act Theory; bilingualism; emotion discourse;
Summary/Abstract: This paper explores the relationship between language and emotion, navigating the diverse paradigms and theories that tackle the subtle connections between words and affect. Scrutinising the contested terrain of universal experiences versus cultural diversity, the literature review establishes that, while language is not foundational for emotion perception, it significantly modulates and nuances emotional experiences, providing access to a broader emotional repertoire. Descending into the rabbit hole of linguistic relativity, the Conceptual Act Theory (CAT) emerges as a middle ground, acknowledging language’s crucial role in constructing cognitive processes, particularly emotions. Focusing on bilingualism and second-language learning, the study reveals the research on the key factors shaping the expression and conceptualisation of emotions: language proficiency, sociocultural competence, context, personality, and gender. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between language and emotion, paving the way for further exploration of emotion discourse across diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes.

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