In:
Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, SAGE Publications, Vol. 47, No. 2 ( 2016-02), p. 310-316
Abstract:
By investigating the use of first-person pronouns in nine languages using the Google Ngram Database, we examined the degree to which different cultural values skewed toward individualism or collectivism over a span of 59 years. We found that in eight of nine languages (British English being the exception), first-person singular pronouns (vs. first-person plural pronouns) have become increasingly prevalent, which in turn points to a rising sense of individualism. British English showed a U-shaped curve trend in the use of first-person singular pronouns (vs. first-person plural pronouns). Although they initially decreased, British English’s first-person singular pronouns (vs. first-person plural pronouns) use was higher than most other languages throughout the whole period. Chinese displayed a fluctuating pattern wherein the use of first-person singular pronouns (vs. first-person plural pronouns) increased in recent periods. The dynamics of cultural change and culture diversity were discussed.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0022-0221
,
1552-5422
DOI:
10.1177/0022022115619230
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2016
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2021892-8
SSG:
0
SSG:
5,2
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