Is it normal that everything seems not real when i talk in english with someone

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10 Comments

English is my second language, and when I talk with someone in English, I get this strange feeling. It feels as if I was in a video game or a dream. Neither the person I'm talking to nor the surroundings feel real. And it makes me feel like the conversation is irrelevant because it's just a dream. Therefore it's hard for me to focus on what people say when they talk in English.

Could it be just because I'm not used to talking in English? Could my social anxiety have anything to do with this? Do any of you feel anything like that when you speak in a language other than your native?

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60% Normal
Based on 20 votes (12 yes)
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Comments ( 10 )
  • Avant-Garde
    10 years ago

    I get something similar that happens periodically, but it's something neurologically related and English is my main language.

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  • JadedUnknown
    10 years ago

    huh... I don't, but I do often feel as if nothing is real. I feel very detached recently, and sometimes stop midway into a conversation to ponder about life...

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  • AbnormallyAwesome
    10 years ago

    I have something similar.
    I use English on the internet, I watch most movies in english and I like to play games in english aswell. So therefor english represents everything fictional in my life.
    I found that when I feel insecure (as I often do in public) I'll start THINKING in english and it somehow creates a distance between me and the situation. I almost become a spectator of my own thoughts.
    I have learned to force myself to think in my native language, to in way get back to reality.

    I know this sounds weird, but maybe you understand what I mean.

    I can't help you though. But you're not alone.

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    • dinz
      10 years ago

      I normally think in my native language and sometimes when I'm extremely tired I often "rearrange" English to based on my native language grammar system. I used to have the additional problem mixing Dutch with English but now because I mostly converse in English now, it is just the grammar issue.

      I would say stuff like "Went you to the School?" which doesn't make any sense in English.

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      • AbnormallyAwesome
        10 years ago

        Sometimes when I'm with friends and we're all tired we'll start talking in deliberately bad english. It's lots of fun.

        When you're tired.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      10 years ago

      Well, before I moved to an English-speaking country, I used English only on the Internet. Sometimes I think in English as well. So I can definitely relate to you. And I think this might the reason why I feel this way.

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  • RoseIsabella
    10 years ago

    Damn, what is your native tongue?

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      10 years ago

      It's Lithuanian.

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  • dinz
    10 years ago

    OP I used to have the fear to converse in English with native speakers fearing of being judged. It was a barrier for me and I was so nervous I would make really basic English mistakes.

    The ironically is, I am better expressing myself in written English than verbally.

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  • Shrunk
    10 years ago

    I would like to know your 1st language as well. bc i study quite a few languages. but i am no good at speaking. i kind of get what you mean though. it's almost like talking nonsense and if someone actually understands you it feels a bit crazy.

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