Dreaming in another language

Here is the podcast

Chris who regularly comments here asked me what I thought was the significance of people dreaming in another language. Does it say anything about one's progress in another language.

In my experience it does not mean much. It sometimes happens to me, I think it reflects the fact that we are really committed to the language, listening to it, and wanting to speak it. In our dreams we are not inhibited so we do well. Even when talking to ourselves in the language we are learning, which is a practice I recommend, we do quite well. When confronted with the dreaded native speaker, when we have to produce the language, the pressure is greater, and all of a sudden we cannot remember words, and the pathways between the neurons seem blocked.

Not to worry. We know it is tougher in the game than in practice.  But we just go back to our practice, build up our good habits and go at it again. And from time to time we will dream in the language.

You are not responsible for anything you do in dreams!

Comments

[Chris]

Thanks for addressing this. I had a feeling it probably doesn't mean much, but it's always encouraging for me nevertheless. I feel as though the language is starting to sink in, and that the its structures are becoming second-nature to me.

Of course, there are the times when I say things are grammatically correct, but are complete and utter jibberish. It can be quite amusing.