Pre-reading questions:
- Are you learning a foreign language? If so, have you ever dreamed of that language?
- Are you learning a foreign language aside from English? If so, could you tell me about it? If not, what language would you like to learn? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
- puzzle /PUHZ-uhl/
- learner /LUR-ner/
- fluently /FLOO-uhnt-lee/
- beneficial /ben-uh-FISH-uhl/
- process /PROS-es/
[verb] – to cause someone to feel confused and slightly worried because they cannot understand something
The math problem was so difficult that it puzzled the entire class, and no one could solve it.
[noun] – a person who is still learning something
The language school offers a variety of programs for learners of all ages and skill levels to improve their proficiency in English.
[adverb] – If you speak a language or read fluently, you speak or read easily, well, and quickly
Maria has been studying French for years, and now she can speak it fluently with native speakers.
[adjective] – helpful, useful, or good
The new teacher at our school can speak three languages fluently, which is beneficial.
[noun] – a series of actions that you take in order to achieve a result
Before you submit your application, make sure you have completed every step of the process, including filling out the forms and attaching all required documents.
Article reading:
According to recent studies, up to 70% of people dream in their second language, even if they don’t speak it fluently in real life. It’s believed that our brains create new neural connections when we learn a new language, which are activated when we use that language. During sleep, these connections can be triggered, leading to foreign-language dreams. Moreover, researchers suggest that dreaming in a foreign language can actually be beneficial for language learners. When we dream, our brain is more receptive to learning and processing new information. Therefore, dreaming in a foreign language may help us consolidate our knowledge and improve our language skills.
In conclusion, the phenomenon of dreaming in foreign languages is a natural and common experience. It’s a testament to the power and complexity of our brains and how they process information. So, whether you dream in English, Spanish, or any other language, embrace it as a sign of your brain’s ongoing learning process.
Comprehension questions
- What is the percentage of people who dream in their second language, even if they don’t speak it fluently in real life?
- Why do our brains create new neural connections when we learn a new language?
- What triggers foreign-language dreams during sleep?
- How can dreaming in a foreign language be beneficial for language learners, according to researchers?
- What is the conclusion of the article about the phenomenon of dreaming in foreign languages?
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?