Abstract
This research examines the paradoxical effects of nonnative speakers’ language fluency on how they are perceived by native speakers, focusing on likability and competence. Although poor fluency has been shown to shield nonnative speakers from negative evaluations of culturally inappropriate behavior, our findings indicate that this effect is confined to likability and does not extend to competence. Specifically, our results show that Russian professionals with lower English fluency were rated as more likable (Studies 1 and 2) but less competent (Study 2). Mediation analyses (Study 2) revealed that perception of effort and felt sympathy, rather than lack of cultural knowledge or intentional rudeness, mediated likability ratings, demonstrating the “effort-sympathy heuristic,” where poor fluency enhances likability by triggering greater sympathy and perceived effort. Overall, these findings highlight the dual-edged nature of language fluency in professional and social contexts, providing insights into how perceptions of nonnative speakers shape interpersonal and professional evaluations.