Reading a nasty word in a second language may not pack the punch it would in your native tongue, thanks to an unconscious brain quirk that tamps down potentially disturbing emotions, a new study finds.

When reading negative words such as “failure” in their non-native language, bilingual Chinese-English speakers did not show the same brain response as seen when they read neutral words such as “aim.” The finding suggests that the brain can process the meaning of words in the unconscious, while “withholding” information from our conscious minds.

via The Body Odd – Brains of bilingual readers repress negative words.

You know I love me some science and language and how the brain works.  This has something to do with semiotics, that’s for sure.

Also, this is a big reason to teach in the native language and to continuously update bible translations.

HT – Via LNB via FB