General question on the progress of learning a second language

Question

Context: For the passt week, I have not turned on the tv (I don't get Spanish stations). I have only listened to Spanish music. I have deliberately limited speaking in English to anyone; maybe only 6 short conversations. I have been immersing myself in Spanish language videos, reading in Spanish and again, limiting my reading in English. Because I don't have to work, I've had this "opportunity". Obviously, I have been less successful in giving up writing in English.

Last night, I had a dream in Spanish. That's the good news. The bad news is, that just in real life, I couldn't understand all of what was being said.

I'm not asking for a dream interpretation, but I'm wondering if others have had this same sort of experience at one time or another when trying to learn a second language? And of course, I want to know if this is a sign of progress or if I've finally lost my mind?

In either case, it's been challenging and fun.

Answer 1

I remember early on, dreaming in Spanish, waking up, and thinking, "I wonder if I knew what I was saying?" It's an odd thing, though, isn't it?

Yes, it is odd. But, just as in real life, I understood some of it, but not all of it! - island_fever, Oct 2, 2012

Answer 2

Well, I haven't had any Spanish dreams yet, but since I started writing a lot of Spanish I have found my English spelling is going rapidly downhill! Seriously, though, I don't think you're losing your mind - in fact, it sounds like immersing yourself in Spanish in the way you have done is paying off - well done!

Haha, so true. Darn Spanish for convincing us we can spell thing phonetically! - broca23, Oct 2, 2012

Answer 3

Dreaming in a foreign language you're immersing yourself into is a clear indication of progress. Make sure you put on the "close captions" before you go to bed Good job!

My laptop is on a bedside table and I fall asleep listening to Spanish with earbuds. The computer goes to sleep by itself after I do. - island_fever, Oct 2, 2012

Answer 4

And of course, I want to know if this is a sign of progress or if I've finally lost my mind?

It's great progress! At first you can't understand but you listen. Later you WILL understand and you'll be overjoyed!

Keep up the good work and good for you for taking advantage of your spare time.

I'm unemployed right now, so I don't want it to be a desperate waste of time :) - island_fever, Oct 2, 2012

I'm in the same boat Island. I spend my days learning Spanish and taking care of my niece. - andrewandrew599, Oct 2, 2012

It has been a HUGE morale builder for me. It keeps my outlook on life positive. I love Spanish. I'm not very good at it, but I love it! Chin up! - island_fever, Oct 2, 2012