The Effect of First and Second Language Use on Divergent Thinking in Problem Solving

2025/11/19 by Calvo, Sofia, Goekoop, Jop
#Creativity #Language #divergent thinking

paper · doi:10.23726/cij.2025.1752

Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationship of the language used when solving a problem, and the creative ability to find a solution for it. For this, participants completed a task in their first language, and a similar task in their second language and the results were evaluated on fluency, flexibility and originality. The findings suggest that the use of second language can be a disadvantage if the speaker does not use it fluently, while it can be an advantage for frequent users since it provides a separation from first language associations and conditionings.

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