Language can shape moral reasoning, influencing whether individuals make decisions based on rules (deontological) or outcomes (utilitarian). Research suggests that speaking in a foreign language increases the likelihood of utilitarian choices, possibly due to reduced emotional engagement and, in some cases, greater cognitive control—a phenomenon known as the Foreign Language Effect (FLE). However, the role of cognitive load remains debated, as proficiency levels may mediate its impact. To investigate these effects, this project will present moral dilemmas in multiple languages, examining cross-cultural variations in the foreign language effect. By comparing ethical judgments in participants’ native and foreign languages, we aim to understand how linguistic and cultural differences shape decision-making. Findings will contribute to research on moral cognition in multilingual contexts, with broader implications for ethical reasoning in globalised environments.

Yliana V. Rodríguez

Yliana V. Rodríguez is a linguist specialising in sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics. She earned her Ph.D. in Linguistics from Leiden Universiteit (The Netherlands) and is currently working at the Faculty of Psychology of Universidad de la República (Uruguay). She is interested in better understanding linguistic dynamics in multilingual contexts, combining experimental and theoretical approaches.