Taboo Words and Reprimands Elicit Greater Autonomic Reactivity in a First Language Than in a Second Language.

Second language speakers commonly acknowledge that taboo terms can be uttered with greater ease in their second language (L2) than in their first language (L1). To investigate this phenomenon psychophysiologically, 32 Turkish–English bilinguals rated a variety of stimuli for pleasantness in Turkish (L1) and English (L2) while skin conductance was monitored via fingertip electrodes. Participants demonstrated greater autonomic arousal to taboo words and childhood reprimands (“Shame on you!”) in their L1 compared to their L2. This finding provides quantifiable support for the subjective experiences of L2 speakers. Bilingual speakers have reported that it is easier to say some kinds of emotionally charged words or expressions in a language that is not their native language. In this study, we explored the possibility that this difference between a first language (L1) and a second language (L2) has psychophysiological components. In particular, we hypothesized that taboo words in a native language would elicit stronger skin conductance responses than similar taboo words learned later in life in an L2. We also hypothesized that emotional expressions learned early in life in an L1 (such as the kinds of reprimands young children hear) would evoke greater physiological responses, whether the individuals experiencing these responses were fully aware of them or not. A number of authors have remarked that taboo words appear to generate less anxiety when spoken in a foreign language (Ferenczi, 1916; Greenson, 1950; Javier, 1989). Bilingual speakers also feel freer to discuss embarrassing topics