Virtual Reality as a Tool for Examining the Role of L1 and L2 in Enhancing Empathy and Reducing Ethnocentrism: Evidence From a Micro-Longitudinal Study

StatusPost-Print
Dublin Core metadata
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Authors
Hekiert-Małozięć, Daniela
Górska, Gabriela
Stasiak, Iga
Milczarski, Wojciech
Igras-Cybulska, Magdalena
Kmiotek, Łukasz
Muda, Rafał
Monograph
Monograph (alternative title)
Date
2026-06-18
Publisher
Journal title
International Journal of Bilingualism
Issue
Volume
Pages
Pages
DOI
ISSN
1367-0069
ISSN of series
Weblink
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13670069261447430
Access date
2026-06-23
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
Research questions: Some researchers propose that using a second language (L2) enhances empathy by broadening perspectives, while studies on the foreign-language effect suggest L2 may reduce empathy by dampening emotions and increasing cognitive control. This study examines the influence of L1 and L2 on empathy and ethnocentrism, employing virtual reality (VR), a tool fostering understanding of diverse perspectives. Design: Polish university students, late bilinguals (N = 111), participated in a 2 (L1 vs. L2) × 3 (Pretest, Posttest 1, Posttest 2) mixed-design study, with all materials and subtitles in the assigned language. During a 9-minute VR experience, participants embodied Polish and Chinese students involved in a misunderstanding, heard their thoughts, and received cultural explanations. Data and analysis: L2 exposure significantly enhanced cognitive empathy and reduced ethnocentrism immediately after the VR experience, with cognitive empathy remaining elevated 2 weeks later. Conclusions: Results suggest that foreign language use in immersive VR environments may facilitate perspective-taking and cultural understanding through mechanisms consistent with the stunted intuitions model and cultural frame-switching. Originality and implications: As the first to test the foreign-language effect in VR, we situated our findings within existing literature and outlined future research directions.
Abstract other
Keywords PL
Keywords EN
foreign-language effect
empathy
ethnocentrism
virtual reality perspective-taking
L1-L2 processing
Keywords other
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
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URI
https://share.swps.edu.pl/handle/swps/2438
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other
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Grant/project name
Miniatura
Grant number
2021/05/X/HS6/01498
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Virtual Reality as a Tool for Examining the Role of L1 and L2 in Enhancing Empathy and Reducing Ethnocentrism: Evidence from a Micro-Longitudinal Study_AAM
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