How to THINK in English (and why you must)

Summary

In this video, the importance of thinking directly in English is emphasized as a key step to achieving fluency. The speaker explains why translating from your native language to English slows down communication, and how it creates unnecessary mental blocks. To overcome this, learners are encouraged to 'fake it till you make it' by surrounding themselves with English in daily life—like changing phone settings, reading recipes, or listening to podcasts in English. The speaker stresses that fluency is about natural communication, not perfect grammar, and suggests consistent practice for long-term success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Translating directly from your native language to English can slow you down and make communication feel unnatural.
• 😀 The goal should be to think directly in English, just as you do in your native language, to achieve fluency.
• 😀 The process of translation adds an unnecessary step, making speaking feel mechanical and not natural.
• 😀 You don't think about grammar or language mechanics when speaking your native language, so aim to remove these barriers when speaking English.
• 😀 Fake it till you make it: pretend you're a native English speaker, and gradually your communication will become more fluent and natural.
• 😀 Surround yourself with English in your daily life—change the language settings on your devices and consume content in English.
• 😀 Engaging with English through everyday activities, like reading recipes or listening to podcasts, helps integrate the language into your life.
• 😀 Speaking regularly is crucial for fluency. Practice with yourself if necessary, or find conversation partners online.
• 😀 Fluency is about being able to express your ideas clearly without the language slowing you down, not about perfection or memorizing grammar rules.
• 😀 Consistency is key—immerse yourself in English for months, not just weeks, to see significant progress in thinking and speaking fluently.

Q & A

Why is it a problem to translate from your own language into English?

Translating from your native language into English slows down communication. It adds an unnecessary mental step and prevents you from speaking naturally. You should aim to think directly in English to improve fluency.

What does 'fake it till you make it' mean in the context of learning English?

'Fake it till you make it' means to pretend you're a native English speaker. By immersing yourself in the language and practicing English in real-life situations, you will gradually develop fluency, even if it feels unnatural at first.

How can changing your environment help you think directly in English?

By surrounding yourself with English in everyday activities, like changing your phone settings or listening to English radio, you create a natural environment that encourages you to think and react in English, just like a native speaker.

Why is grammar different between languages, and how does it affect learning English?

Each language has its own grammar rules, which can be very different from English. Some languages may even lack words or structures that directly translate into English. This difference can slow down learning if you keep translating, as it prevents smooth thinking in the target language.

What is the key to becoming fluent in English, according to the script?

The key to fluency is immersion. You need to integrate English into your daily life and make it a natural part of your routine. This can be achieved by surrounding yourself with English in various activities and practices, like reading or listening to media in English.

Why shouldn't learners rely on textbooks alone to learn English?

Textbooks can be helpful, but they often teach language in an unnatural way, focusing on isolated grammar rules and exercises. Fluency comes from using the language in real-world contexts, which textbooks alone can't provide.

What role does speaking play in becoming fluent in English?

Speaking is essential for fluency. You need to practice speaking, even if it's just to yourself or with others through language exchange platforms. Regular practice makes speaking in English feel more natural over time.

How can a student incorporate English into their hobbies or interests?

One example from the script is a student who loved cooking. By reading recipes in English, she could combine her passion for cooking with learning English. Similarly, you can incorporate English into other hobbies like listening to podcasts or writing to-do lists.

What is the benefit of replacing native language activities with English activities?

Replacing native language activities with English activities helps you practice English without needing extra time. You can read the news, use your calendar, or even create a to-do list in English, allowing you to learn while doing things you already do.

What is the ultimate goal when thinking directly in English?

The ultimate goal is to be able to express your ideas naturally and fluently, without the need to think about grammar or vocabulary. Language should become a tool for communication, not an obstacle.