Are There Benefits of Bilingualism in the Socio-Affective Domain?

Abstract

The present paper deals with bilingualism from a “hot” point of view: it seeks the answer to the question whether Hungarian-Serbian bilinguals and monolinguals show differences and variations in empathic skills and emotional intelligence. For measuring these variables we have used a modified language history questionnaire, the Hungarian versions of the Davis Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI-HU) and the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS-HU). The data of 208 individuals from Serbia were analyzed. Comparing individuals who are monolinguals and bilinguals, at present use and know languages at various levels, our results have shown that individuals with higher levels of current language knowledge and frequency of language use rate their skills of evaluating the emotions of others and perspective taking as better. © 2023, FACTEACHEREDUCATION. All rights reserved.