The Effect of Foreign Language Use on Subjective Temporal Distance Judgments

This study investigates the influence of foreign language use on the perceived psychological distance of past events. Building on previous research that the use of a foreign language may increase cognitive distance from past events, the study aims to validate and extend these findings. Native Korean participants (N = 293) were randomly assigned to recall both autobiographical and historical events in either their native language (Korean) or a foreign language (English). Results reveal that recalling events in a foreign language creates a greater sense of temporal distance compared to recalling them in one's native language. This effect holds true only for autobiographical memories and not for historical memories. These findings underscore the cognitive implications of language choice in memory recall and highlight potential applications in various fields, such as clinical psychology and legal practices. Understanding the impact of language on temporal perception contributes to our broader understanding of bilingual cognition and memory processes.