How To Make Your Brain To Think in English| Improve Your English Speaking |English Speaking Practice

Summary

In this episode of the English learning podcast, Jason and Julia explore practical techniques to help learners stop translating in their heads and start thinking directly in English. They explain how this shift boosts fluency, confidence, listening, and pronunciation. Key strategies include naming objects in English, talking to yourself, using English-to-English dictionaries, and developing an 'English inner voice.' They also share daily exercises to make thinking in English a natural habit. The episode wraps up with tips to stay motivated and consistent, ensuring listeners can break free from translation and embrace natural English thinking.

Takeaways

• 😀 Thinking in English helps learners speak faster and more naturally, boosting confidence and fluency.
• 😀 Translating from your native language to English slows you down and can result in awkward phrases.
• 😀 Listening in English becomes easier when your brain processes the language naturally without translation.
• 😀 Thinking in English can improve your pronunciation because it helps you hear the sounds like a native speaker.
• 😀 Common mistakes that hinder English thinking include over-relying on translation and focusing too much on grammar.
• 😀 Fear of making mistakes can block learners from thinking or speaking in English, but mistakes are part of the learning process.
• 😀 Immersion is crucial for thinking in English—surrounding yourself with English in daily life accelerates brain adaptation.
• 😀 Simple steps to start thinking in English include naming things around you, talking to yourself, and using an English-to-English dictionary.
• 😀 Developing an inner voice in English and thinking in simple sentences can gradually increase fluency.
• 😀 Daily practices like setting a no-translation rule, talking aloud, and journaling in English can make thinking in English a permanent habit.
• 😀 Overcoming challenges like struggling with vocabulary or feeling stuck requires persistence and practice to build fluency over time.

Q & A

Why is thinking in English important for language learners?

Thinking in English helps learners speak more naturally and confidently, as it reduces the delay caused by translating from their native language. It improves fluency, listening skills, pronunciation, and overall communication.

What is one of the biggest challenges learners face when trying to think in English?

One of the biggest challenges is relying too much on translation, where learners first think in their native language and then translate, which creates a delay and slows down their ability to speak fluidly in English.

How can relying on translation affect a learner’s English fluency?

Relying on translation makes the brain work twice as hard, first forming a sentence in the native language and then trying to translate it into English. This delay can make learners miss opportunities to speak naturally and fluently.

What is the role of grammar in thinking in English, and how can it be a barrier?

While grammar is important, overthinking grammar rules while trying to form sentences can slow down speech. Native speakers don't constantly think about grammar rules when speaking, and focusing too much on grammar can prevent natural conversation flow.

What is an effective way to overcome the fear of making mistakes in English?

The best way to overcome the fear of making mistakes is to practice speaking and thinking in English without worrying about perfection. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, and the more you practice, the better you will get.

Why is immersion important when trying to think in English?

Immersion is crucial because it exposes learners to English in various contexts, helping them switch to thinking in English naturally. If learners only use English in structured environments, their brain may continue to default to their native language.

What is one strategy for training your brain to think in English?

One simple strategy is to name objects around you in English, like saying 'bed,' 'lamp,' or 'phone' when you see them. You can also describe what you're doing in English, such as 'I am drinking coffee.' This connects daily life with the English language.

How can talking to yourself in English help you think in English?

Talking to yourself in English, even if it's just describing your actions (e.g., 'I'm putting on my shoes'), helps reinforce thinking in English without the pressure of conversing with others. It trains your brain to use English naturally.

What is the benefit of using an English-to-English dictionary?

Using an English-to-English dictionary helps learners think in English rather than translating words from their native language. This practice strengthens vocabulary and supports the brain's ability to make connections in English.

What is a good way to start making thinking in English a daily habit?

A good practice is to start and end your day by thinking in English. For example, describe your plans for the day in English when you wake up and review your day in English before going to bed. This helps set the tone for thinking in English consistently.