How to STOP Translating in your Brain? | 🎧Podcast and Chill | Intermediate

Summary

In this episode of the Chill English Podcast, Leo and Gwen explore the challenge of thinking in English. They discuss how the brain's loyalty to your native language, translation habits, limited vocabulary, and fear of mistakes make it difficult to think in English. Practical tips include starting with simple thoughts, describing surroundings, asking yourself questions in English, using timers for quick thinking practice, and surrounding yourself with English content. They emphasize embracing mistakes and consistent practice to improve English fluency. This episode offers actionable steps to make thinking in English more natural and accessible.

Takeaways

• 😀 Thinking in English can be challenging because your brain is used to your native language.
• 😀 The translation habit is common when learning a new language, but it can be exhausting.
• 😀 To improve, start with simple thoughts, like what you are doing or what you want to eat.
• 😀 Mistakes are not bad—they are stepping stones toward language improvement.
• 😀 Describing your surroundings in English is an easy and practical way to practice.
• 😀 Talking to yourself in English can help you think faster and improve fluency.
• 😀 Using a timer to challenge yourself to think in English can help your brain adapt more quickly.
• 😀 Surrounding yourself with English, like listening to podcasts or changing your phone settings, is a great way to practice naturally.
• 😀 Don't worry about being perfect; the more you practice, the easier it becomes.
• 😀 One small action, like listening to an English podcast again or describing your day, can help improve your language skills.
• 😀 Embrace mistakes and keep practicing—language learning is about progress, not perfection.

Q & A

Why is it hard to think in English for many learners?

Thinking in English is challenging because the brain is accustomed to the native language, which has been used for years. This makes switching to English difficult. Additionally, learners often translate thoughts from their native language, and lack of vocabulary can make it harder to express ideas in English.

How does translating impact the process of thinking in English?

Translating impacts the process by slowing down the flow of thoughts. Learners first think in their native language, translate it to English, and then try to express it, which can be exhausting and time-consuming. It's a common part of the learning process but eventually becomes less necessary as learners gain more fluency.

What role does vocabulary play in thinking in English?

Vocabulary is essential because without knowing enough words, learners cannot form sentences or express ideas in English. It's like trying to create a picture with limited colors; the more vocabulary you have, the better you can express yourself.

How can making mistakes help in learning English?

Making mistakes is a crucial part of language learning. Research shows that people who embrace their mistakes learn languages faster because mistakes help identify areas for improvement, leading to faster progress.

What is one practical tip to start thinking in English?

Start by thinking simple thoughts in English, such as 'What am I doing now?' or 'What do I want to eat?' This helps the brain gradually adapt to thinking in English without pressure.

What is a fun and effective way to practice thinking in English?

Describing your surroundings in English is a fun and practical exercise. For example, you can describe objects you see around you, like 'I see a chair, it's brown and wooden.' This helps to practice vocabulary and sentence structure.

How can asking questions in English help learners think faster?

Asking yourself questions in English, such as 'What should I wear today?' or 'What's for breakfast?' encourages quick thinking and helps make English a natural part of your thought process.

What is the benefit of using a timer when practicing thinking in English?

Using a timer challenges learners to think quickly and helps them push past hesitation. For example, setting a timer for 30 seconds and describing everything in the room can train the brain to think more rapidly in English.

How can surrounding yourself with English help in language learning?

Surrounding yourself with English by listening to podcasts or watching short videos daily exposes you to the language in a natural, low-pressure way. This helps reinforce learning and vocabulary acquisition without feeling overwhelmed.

What advice is given for dealing with mistakes when speaking English?

The advice is to not stop when you make a mistake. Instead, repeat what you said and try to express it in simpler terms. Mistakes are part of the learning process and should not discourage learners from continuing to practice.