Different language, different self: Identity self-perception in multilingual professionals

This thesis explores how multilingual language use influences self-perception, with particular attention to professional and workplace contexts. Drawing on linguistic and cross-cultural theories, the study conceptualizes multilingual identity as dynamic and situational rather than fixed. The theoretical framework integrates perspectives from linguistic relativity, research on multilingual identity, and cross-cultural models, including Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, Hall’s distinction between high- and low-context communication, and theories of independent and interdependent self-construals. Multilingual identity is analysed through five dimensions, such as continuity, belonging, adaptation, legitimacy, and emotion. Together, these dimensions capture how multilingual speakers negotiate coherence of the self, social inclusion, behavioural adjustment, professional credibility, and emotional expression across languages. The empirical part of the thesis is based on a mixed-methods survey conducted among 53 multilingual professionals working in international and multilingual environments. The questionnaire combines closed-ended items, Likert-scale statements, and open-ended questions, allowing for the identification of general tendencies as well as in-depth personal reflections. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis guided by the five identity dimensions. The findings reveal individual variation in how multilingual professionals experience identity continuity, emotional expression, and professional confidence across languages. At the same time, consistent patterns emerge in relation to communicative adaptation and the perceived impact of language choice in workplace settings. The thesis also explores participants’ attitudes towards workplace language practices and policies, highlighting tensions between efficiency, inclusivity, and linguistic diversity. Overall, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of multilingual identity in professional contexts and offers implications for communication strategies and language policy in international workplaces.