Empathic Response of Slovene Readers to Poetry in Slovene and English

Igor Žunkovič; Ana Šemrov; Ajda Klepej; Ana Kukovec; Luka Lončar; Marko Sette; Neža Trček

doi:10.4312/elope.22.2.145-165

Authors

Igor Žunkovič University of Ljubljana https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0385-1946
Ana Šemrov University of Ljubljana https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5447-1295
Ajda Klepej University of Ljubljana
Ana Kukovec University of Ljubljana
Luka Lončar University of Ljubljana
Marko Sette University of Ljubljana
Neža Trček University of Ljubljana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4312/elope.22.2.145-165

Keywords:

empathy, poetry, translation studies, mother tongue, foreign language, self-other differentiation

Abstract

Drawing on literary theory, translation studies, and social identity theory, the research investigates whether reading Louise Glück’s poem “Adult Grief” in English versus Slovenian elicits different affective reactions. Using a repeated-measures design and a specially developed empathy scale, the study differentiates between compassionate and distressed responses of narrative empathy and examines how they relate to the four dimensions of trait empathy as assessed by the interpersonal reactivity index. The findings indicate that empathic concern and fantasy are key predictors of empathic engagement, with fantasy enhancing perspective taking and personal distress. Notably, language significantly influences empathic responses, especially when interacting with personal distress, suggesting that reading in one's native language reduces the self-other differentiation and intensifies emotional experience. However, language exposure also moderates responses, indicating that habitual engagement in a language can enhance emotional resonance regardless of native status. These results underline the complex interplay between language, empathy, and literary affect.

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