I'm a bookworm

I recently started reading a book called 'Thinking Fast and Slow' by D.Kahneman. The book talks about how we come to make a decision by using what Kahneman described as 'Fast thinking or System 1' and slow thinking or System 2' . According to Kahneman, System 1 makes snap judgements combining experience we had in the past to make a decision where System 2 requires more effort into analysing, checking the facts about decisions we are going to make.

For example: 2+2 = ?     That is simple mathematics, you don't need to even think about it so much and you know the answer is 4. Now, that was System 1 thinking.

Now try 24x15 = ?    That's right, you need a pen and paper or a calculator to find the answer. By the time we actually try to find out what the answer is, we are already switch into System 2 mode of thinking. Our brain is conscious and trying to find the answer.

How does this relate to a language?

Well, I imagine this is how we use our brain when we are multi lingual. For instance, I use system 1 when speaking in Thai (my native tongue), I just do not think too much into it whereas when speaking English and while writing this blog, I use system 2 thinking where this requires a more 'effort' into thinking. You feel comfortable with your mother tongue that to speak it, is not a challenge or it is somewhat easy therefore require less effort. However, when you learn another language, it really foster your brain to think about thinking.

Are you feeling the same?