How Morality Changes in a Foreign Language

[Why does it matter whether we judge morality in our native language or a foreign one? According to one explanation, such judgments involve two separate and competing modes of thinking—one of these, a quick, gut-level “feeling,” and the other, careful deliberation about the greatest good for the greatest number. When we use a foreign language, we unconsciously sink into the more deliberate mode simply because the effort of operating in our non-native language cues our cognitive system to prepare for strenuous activity. This may seem paradoxical, but is in line with findings that reading math problems in a hard-to-read font makes people less likely to make careless mistakes.]

Read the full story | Scientific American

 

A Wonderful, Brilliant Idea

It’s a pretty simple concept: Elderly people in retirement communities want someone to talk to. Young Brazilians want to learn English, and the best way to do that is by speaking to native English speakers. When CNA Speaking Exchange recognized the mutual need, they designed a tool that connected the two groups and some unexpected friendships were formed.