I wanted to ask some people from Lithuania how they gather information in English and then use it in their native language, but I thought maybe some things would be useful for everyone to know.
I am writing in English so you guys can see what we’re doing. Anyone that has English as second (or third (or fourth(…))) language can share their experiences too.
So the most important question is how (difficult/easy) you manage to use this information when you actually think in another language. For me a pretty hard task is to define word „lucid/lucidity“ in Lithuanian. Anything trans-language related can be discussed here (if it wasn’t done already, if it did sry )?
I think that as long as you know what you’re reading, you don’t need to worry about translations, but mantras get more complex to use when you also think which words you pick (or maybe that even helps ).
Also, rewriting DJ’s in English. Do you do that (I know some who does)? Did it help for DR?
English was always one of my favourite languages, so I can understand it pretty well. However, when I’m doing mantras or dreaming my thoughs are always Lithuanian. Although I would see no problem if you “think” in English, as long as you and your subconscious understands the meaning of the words. If you find difficulties understanding various terms like lucid, lucidity you should not forget that dictionaries are you best friend There are many dictionaries on the web too. Personally, I use Google Translator.
The Dream Journals on this site is just for fun, sharing your experience with other dreamers. I doubt that it actually makes your dream recall better. That’s what the paper version of your DJ is supposed to do. I don’t have my DJ on this site, but maybe I’ll make one when I’ll get back on my tracks and begin to get some lucid dreams.
I have the same situation, at first I had to learn terms about everything that is on this site but later it was easier… At first I was thinking in English but now I noticed that I use more Croatian then English. Commands, mantras, topics - everything was in English at first, but that was maybe because whenever I talked with my friend about dreams I used English terms that I learned on this site.
For example terms false awakening and sleep paralysis doesn’t have too good translations in Croatian, so I stick with English. Mantra is another problem, I remember that all that I was saying was in English but from time to time I found the right words in Croatian and now I work with those!
But I have to agree with Paulius, as long our subconscious understands the meaning of the words there shouldn’t be a real problem… But it feels strange to think in completely different language!
I think that it is enough to know what you mean no matter what language you use. It does not matter if the actual meaning of the word is different. If you must use Lithuanian, try what we call “alternative strategies”, that is, explaining what you mean instead of using the word. Instead of saying “I will become lucid” say “I will know that I am dreaming”.
As for rewriting your dreams, it is a very good way to cement the memory of the dreams. Back when I have nothing but time I would rewrite dreams online, and I still have strong memories of those dreams. Though it might have something to do with the fact that I was novice and eager. I don’t know how it affects overall dream recall. But I suppose it doesn’t hurt. It makes you think more about your dreams and you practice remembering them. I don’t know if it is any better to rewrite in another language, but possibly there can be some good in expressing the events again using different words.
)?
).
There are many dictionaries on the web too. Personally, I use Google Translator.
