Effect of language similarity between the experimenter and the subject on the speed of verbal learning

ABSTRACT

In an attempt to determine the effect of language similarity between the experimenter and the subject on the speed of verbal learning it was found that the speed of verbal learning was significantly enhanced when the experimenter spoke in regional language [Punjabi] to Punjabi subject than when the experimenter spoke in nonregional language [English]. Similarity as a determinant of interpersonal attraction and attachment occupies a prominent place in modern social psychology. Degree of perceiving others as similar to one's own self is the basis of interpersonal relation as well as international relations. Greater the perceived similarity better the interpersonal/ international relation. Researches on various dimensions of similarity, viz, attitudinal economic, choice of a brand of an item of purchase, ability, and race and belief led to conclude that [i] we avoid those who differ and prefer those who have attitudes similar to those of ours [Byrne 1971, Heider 1958] even under what might seem to be unfavourable conditions [Bleda 1974], [ii] we like those who hold economic position similar to us [Byrne, et al 1966], [iii] we change our decision in the direction of one who appears to be a customer similar to us [Brock 1965]. [iv] we like those who are equally competent in doing a task [Senn 1971] and [v] we are intimate with those who are similar in race and belief [Triandis and Davis 1965]. A mong the many dimensions of similarity, language is one of them. A man who appears to belonging to the same speech community is generally considered a similar man. This is true in case of Pakistan as well. Punjabi is one of the regional languages of Pakistan. A man who speaks or converses in Punjabi to Punjabi man is generally considered a similar man. So is the case with other regional languages of Pakistan. since researches show that perceived similarity of a man leads another man to accept his views or suggestions, a question arises whether the perceived similarity of the experimenter leads the subject take the learning task better. As such, the present paper is an attempt to determine the effect of language similarity between the experimenter and the subject on the speed of verbal learning