I have recently discovered that I have a second personality when I speak English, compared to the "original" me when I speak Chinese.
我最近发现当我说英语时，和说中文时“原来”的我相比，我有一个“第二人格”。
Speaking English brings out a more outgoing, enthusiastic, relaxed and confident side of me. I am also more open to physical expressions when using English, such as hugging, gesturing and using more exaggerated facial expressions.
I feel the differences not only when talking to people, but also when writing. Working on the same topic in English and Chinese ends up in me using extremely different choices of words and structures. I often find myself arguing for two different points of view.
But wait! Does that mean that it is possible that my Chinese friends will not like the English-speaking me, and my foreign friends would not care for my personality when I speak Chinese?
Nevertheless, changing your personality and worldview when changing the language you speak sounds so cool!
但是，改变说话的语言能同时改变一个人的人格和世界观听起来很酷！
Similar things happened with my friend as well when we were traveling to Japan. My friend, a Chinese who speaks fluent Japanese, showed a more humble, tender tone and attitude when using Japanese.
I think it must have something to do with the fact that the Japanese use special words and styles to show respect for an older person or a person at a higher position than themselves. If they do not want to be disrespectful, every person who learns the Japanese language needs to pay great attention to the slightest differences in each scenario, choosing between the polite style, the humble style and the honorific style.
However, the difference is not only in the linguistic context.
但是，这种差异不仅仅只体现在语言语境中。
Cultural values and identities are deeply rooted in languages, and I believe they can be adopted by learning and using different languages.
文化差异和身份认同根植于语言之中，而我相信它们可以通过学习和使用不同的语言习得。
I did some research, and found several studies that support such findings.
我做了一些调查，找到了几份支持这些发现的研究。
In the academic studies of linguistics, the argument of languages being partly responsible for shaping people’s worldviews and perspectives dates back to the 18th century.
在语言学学术研究中，“语言部分地塑造了人类的世界观和人生观”这一观点可以追溯到18世纪。
In that sense, learning a new language is really worth the effort, because what we get is not only the chance to communicate with people from other countries and appreciate different perspectives, but also the opportunity to fully understand our own beliefs and passions and explore the different sides of ourselves.
One other thing I wonder about is why some of my friends have commented that I sometimes talk like a teenage American girl. Maybe it is because watching soap operas and listening to Taylor Swift have been two of the major methods I have used to learn English.
It is then possible that when it comes to the changes brought on by learning a new language, it matters in what way and at what age you learn the language.
那么有可能当谈到学习一门新语言所带来的改变时，重要的是你在什么年纪、用什么方法来学习这种语言。
I have recently started to learn German, and I plan to learn it well by taking classes and watching documentaries. Therefore, if I work hard enough, in a few years I look forward to seeing a possibly more sophisticated, or maybe more articulate and rigorous version of me.
