Very interesting topic! I do speak differently depending on to whom I speak to. I notice that when in class, I automatically speak slower and more enunciated when there are exchange students. The other day I tok a pronunciation class and the teacher told me that when I speak English my accent sounds very German but when I read a text aloud, my accent leans toward an American accent. So, I think that I subconsciously make a difference in pronunciation depending on if I speak freely or read something. Also, when I speak Japanese, I speak with a higher register and in a more feminine way. But I think this has to do with mimicking the way Japanese people speak. I may sound different but my personality doesn't change. I don't think that there's much difference between the way I speak English and German.

Me and my husband talk to our dog like she's our baby.

@Hanji

First, thank you for such a detailed reply.

I like what you wrote about learning a new language guiding you to a new perspective.

I also really like your question at the end of what you wrote and find that to be a whole topic in itself. I have found also that some people write differently in the discussions to when they write in a private message. I guess we change the way we talk not only based on who we are talking to but regarding how we are talking to them. I think this also reflects on real life and not just forums. For instance, when I talk to my sister in front of others I do talk a bit different to when it is just her and me because I know what I can say in front of her.

Casey, I've been thinking of your question for almost ten days. As Benny says, students learn proper English. Troglodyte writes that you can change the way of speaking by its level. I think, Casey, you knew about that. 

I'll write my thought along with your three lines. I hope my comment will be useful.

What you are questioning;

> Is that just another part of our personality or does that just mimic part of our already existing traits?

I recalled that I was told that I, my personality, sounded nicer in Japanese than when I wrote in English. My English level might affect that, but still, this fact points out that the impression of people are changeable by its language. 

Adding on it, you are asking;

>Do you talk differently to different people?

Advanced level learners can do it as Troglodyte writes, but again, thinking of your first question that whether it happens in speaking another language, I would say that another language makes your different perspective and talk a different way to different people. It doesn't always depend on speaking level, beginner or advanced. Sometimes, do. Other times don't.

That's why you are saying;

>I hear people say we get a new view on things when we learn a new language and that we get a new personality that goes with that. 

I think that learning another language guides you to a new perspective. Usually, people who speak multiple languages have various thoughts, so they can talk differently and more effective. That's why people get together on this forum to hear new and interesting ideas and opinions.

And my question is that whether people on this forum show their real personalities by its writing?

For example, when I exchange private messages with them, some of them show a more relaxed attitude that makes me comfortable. This is what Casey says: talk differently to different people, that is the difference between talking to many people and individuals here. I think they have both style and can use to fit the situation. I call them "smart".

Casey, that's an interesting topic indeed! Yes, that happens and I think most of us calibrate our tone and vocabulary according to whom we are talking. One may not think of using their vocabulary skill while speaking to a kid who has just started speaking. You may also abstain yourself from using slang. But when you are talking to your close friends or family members, then you just talk quite freely without putting too much effort choosing the right words in a relaxed tone. However, that may not be the case when you are learning another language and struggling to speak.

When you are learning a new language, you talk to people according to your level of language. If you are a beginner then you would be more concerned about starting a conversation; if you are an intermediate, you would be concerned about the right words, grammar and all; and if you are in the advanced level then you try to talk like one of them without putting too much effort in choosing the right word and right tone as by then it comes naturally.