Winter Language – Summer Language
Temperatures have soared rapidly, with the thermometer climbing in a swift crescendo into summery realms. Do these natural parameters and elements actually alter the way we communicate?
It is well known that our mood changes with the seasons.
What is less obvious, however, is that our communication is actually changing in subtle and measurable ways. Research in psychology and linguistics suggests that light, temperature and social activity have a noticeable influence on how people speak, write and interact with one another.
In winter, many people tend to withdraw more. Less daylight affects sleep patterns, energy levels and stress management. Conversations often become shorter, more functional and more matter-of-fact. In offices, this is reflected, for example, in more businesslike emails, less small talk and a greater shift towards digital communication. Studies of communication data also show that social networks become smaller and closer-knit during the winter months: people communicate more frequently with familiar contacts than with new acquaintances.
In summer, the opposite is often true. More daylight and higher activity levels encourage openness and a willingness to talk. Language becomes more emotional, spontaneous and social. On social media, positive terms, words relating to leisure and activities, and future-oriented phrasing increase significantly. People respond more quickly to messages, conversations last longer and social interactions become more varied.
Seasonal changes can be observed in emotionality and tone of voice. One thing is particularly interesting here: language reflects not only our thoughts, but also our physical and emotional state. The seasons thus indirectly influence how we shape relationships, resolve conflicts and build closeness. Often, we do this without even realising it… until now. I’m sure you’ve now become a little more aware of this.
Studies show that, particularly in summer, the weather finds its way into even practical matters, such as: ‘Lovely today, isn’t it? Have you been out yet?’ ‘We really ought to move the meeting outside’ or, at the start of the week, for example, ‘Hi everyone, I hope you managed to enjoy the lovely weather a bit over the weekend’.
Perhaps you could simply postpone the next conflict that arises in winter until next summer. It might work, but it might not. Some like it hot!
© charlesdeluvio / Unsplash
