LANGUAGE AND EMOTION: A STUDY OF EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION IN MULTILINGUALS

Abstract

This study explores the emotional expression of multilinguals in Pakistan, focusing on how individuals express emotions across different languages. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining self-report questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and emotion-inducing tasks to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The research examines emotional intensity, comfort, and appropriateness in five languages—Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, and English—spoken by participants from diverse cultural backgrounds. The findings indicate that Punjabi is the most emotionally expressive language, offering greater emotional intensity, comfort, and appropriateness for intimate emotional expression. Pashto, conversely, was perceived as more formal and less emotionally expressive. The study highlights the significant role of cultural identity, language attachment, and social norms in shaping emotional expression, emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity in emotional experiences. This research provides deeper insight into how multilingual individuals navigate emotional landscapes through language.