Vocabulary:
- phenomenon /fi-NOM-uh-non/
- trigger /TRIG-er/
- solidify /suh-LID-uh-fahy/
- insight /IN-sahyt/
- alarm /uh-LAHRM/
[noun] – something that exists and can be seen, felt, tasted, etc., especially something unusual or interesting
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that can be seen in the night sky in certain parts of the world.
[verb] – to cause something to start
Exposure to certain allergens can trigger an asthma attack, which can cause difficulty breathing and require medical attention.
[verb] – to become or make something become certain
The signing of a new trade agreement between the two countries helped to solidify their economic ties and create new opportunities for growth.
[noun] – (the ability to have) a clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation
As a psychologist, Dr. Smith gained valuable insight into the behavior of her patients through years of experience and careful observation.
[verb] – to make someone worried or frightened
If you keep leaving your bike unlocked, you might alarm your neighbor, who is concerned about theft in the area.
Article reading:
According to a recent study, it’s estimated that up to 70% of people dream in their second language, even if they don’t speak it fluently in real life. This phenomenon is thought to be related to how the brain processes language. When we learn a new language, our brain creates new neural connections that are activated when we use that language. During sleep, our brain is still active, and these connections can be triggered, leading to foreign language dreams. Interestingly, some researchers believe that dreaming in a foreign language can actually be beneficial for language learners. When we dream, our brain is more open to learning and processing new information. So, dreaming in a foreign language may actually help us to solidify our knowledge and improve our language skills.
While the phenomenon of dreaming in foreign languages may seem strange, it’s actually quite common. It’s a fascinating insight into the way our brains process language and how we learn. So, the next time you wake up from a dream speaking a language you don’t know, don’t be alarmed. Your brain is simply processing information in its own unique way. Who knows? It might even help you learn a new language more effectively!
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever experienced dreaming in a foreign language that you don’t know? If so, how did you feel when you woke up from the dream? If not, how would you feel about it if you had the dream?
- Have you ever used a dream dictionary or other resources to interpret a dream? If so, could you tell me about it? If not, why not?
- If you could choose any foreign language to dream in, which one would you pick? Why?
- Some people believe that dreaming in a foreign language is a fascinating insight into the way our brains process language and how we learn. Do you agree with this statement?
- In your opinion, can dreaming in a foreign language be a sign of language proficiency, even if the person does not speak the language fluently in real life?
Summarization
Describe:
- foreign
- estimate
- activate
- skill
- unique