What “you” and “we” say about me: How small shifts in language reveal and empower fundamental shifts in perspective

One of the most fundamental, yet often overlooked, components language is personal pronoun system. Pronouns reveal and empower different perspectives, providing insight into even altering how a person conceptualizing self. Here, we illustrate pronouns “I,” “you,” “we” can enable shifts in perspective that bring further from, or closer to, others. We additionally highlight implications these on addressee(s). review growing body research focuses words function as both windows—providing thoughts emotions speaker, levers—that subtly alter speaker's addressee(s)’ thoughts, emotions, behaviors, across range domains. conclude by discussing possibilities for future research.