In what language do people think?

Question

If people speak different languages do they think in them as well?

Answer 1

Those who speak multiple languages probably think in their "original" language - the speed of thought is faster than the speed of speaking (sound), so I imagine it's due to being an unconscious/subconscious process.

Answer 2

I think and speak in english, except when I'm learning another language, at which time I deliberatly beging thinking in that language. My husband, on the other hand, seems to think in pictures and feelings and colors and smells more than any spoken language.

Answer 3

I once knew an exchange student from Sweden and she said that she thought in her native language and had to mentally translate what she wanted to say in English before she said it. She spoke English very well.

Answer 4

yes people think in different languages

Answer 5

Sometimes - since I learned english, sometimes I prefer to think in english, at other times I think in my native language.

Answer 6

At night.. pictures.

During the day... whatever languages they understand- including numbers and pictures.

Answer 7

I speak french and english but my 'mothertongue' is english, but I usually think in french when I'm doing things around the house.

Answer 8

I had a neighbor who often would sit up to a minute before answering my question. When I asked her why she told me she had to convert her answer into English. She and her family spoke Italian in the household.

Answer 9

people think in the language first taught to them...

(yours is the first avatar i've seen with glasses! too cute!)

Answer 10

nope. i think in an alien language.