The other morning, during my workout, I caught myself counting in Bulgarian.
Now, I speak in English, I think in English, I even dream in English. But here I was — knees bent, dumbbells in hand — counting reps like it was a Bulgarian math lesson.
I tried switching to English. Really, I did. But my brain kept slipping back to Bulgarian numbers without missing a beat. And you know what? It actually felt easier. Even if I had to count to 50 (or more), it rolled off the tongue with zero effort.
Turns out, this isn’t just me. It’s a pretty common bilingual brain thing.
Why your brain sticks to your first language for counting
It might feel like a quirky personal habit, but science says it’s not just you. Most bilinguals will still default to their first language for counting. Why? Because your brain is wired to do it that way. Here are the main reasons.
1. Your first number language gets “locked in” early
Think back to when you were little. The first numbers you learned, the first time you counted to ten — that all happened in your native language. Those neural connections were made early and reinforced a lot. That’s why they feel automatic now.
2. Counting uses a different brain system than speaking
Your brain doesn’t treat numbers exactly like words. Everyday conversation is handled by networks that manage grammar, meaning, and context. But numbers, times tables, and basic math facts often sit in more “procedural” memory, like riding a bike. And just like cycling, your brain doesn’t bother to relearn it in a new language unless it has to.
3. The brain loves shortcuts
If your goal is to count quickly, your brain will pick the fastest, least effort option. And that’s usually the language you learned numbers in as a child. Even if you can count in your second language, your brain knows the original way is quicker.
4. Habit keeps the loop going
The more you count in your native language, the stronger the habit becomes. Your brain has no reason to switch unless you deliberately train it to.
How common is counting in your first language?
Studies show that a majority of bilinguals default to their native language for numbers, even after decades of using a second language daily.
| Study / source | Finding | Interesting detail |
|---|---|---|
| Spelke & Tsivkin (2001) | 78% of late bilinguals retrieved exact numerical facts faster in their first language. | Even when tested in their second language, they switched mentally to L1. |
| Psychology Today survey (2015) | Around 70% of bilingual adults counted in their native language for quick tasks. | The number rose to 85% when the task was timed. |
Fun side note: This is why many bilingual people also swear in their first language or revert to it when talking to themselves. Emotional and automatic responses are deeply rooted in the language you first experienced them in.
So, if you’ve been living in another country for years, speaking and even dreaming in your second language, but still count in your first? Your brain is just being efficient. And honestly, it’s one of those small, charming reminders that your first language is still part of who you are.