Author(s)

Zhang Ran

Corresponding Author

Zhang Ran

ABSTRACT

Based on the Foreign-Language effect, the Emotional-Language effect, emotive function of language and code-switching theory, this paper uses questionnaire method to explore the preference of Chinese-English bilinguals for Chinese or English under the influence of emotional arousal in different situations. The results show that, first, bilinguals who acquire English in a natural language environment are more inclined to speak English than those in a classroom environment. Second, the quantity of Chinese use is greater in negative situations than in positive situations, and English use is greater in negative situations than in negative situations. Third, the reasons involve three dimensions: the frequency and habits of language use, the sociocultural background and the individual's perception of degree to which the emotion he or she wants to express is embodied or detached in the language.

KEYWORDS

Bilinguals, Context, Emotional-Language effect, Foreign-Language effect, Code-switching