Many ask: “How can I stop translating in my head when I’m communicating in English?”
The simple answer is: “Think like a native English speaker.”
“Ha!” you respond. “Implementing this simple answer is not so simple.”
Translating directly from our native language to a second language that we are not fluent in is something all of us as language learners tend to do (myself included), particularly in the earlier stages of learning. It is, however, a practice best avoided.
As I’m sure you’ve noticed, one-to-one correlations between languages – particularly when the languages belong to different groups – are the exception rather than the rule. So when we translate directly, we can easily end up not saying what we mean.
I’d like to offer a few tips to get you thinking in English. Thinking in this language won’t happen overnight, but, over time, little-by-little, you will find yourself formulating thoughts like a native English-speaker.
And one fine morning you’ll wake up and realize that you have become remarkably fluent in this extremely useful international language.
The basic idea is to put yourself in an English “bubble” – to immerse yourself in the language, as much as you can:
- When you look up a word you don’t know – don’t look for the equivalent word in your own language. Use an English dictionary. Looking up a word in a bilingual dictionary will mentally take you “out” of English; a monolingual dictionary will keep you “inside” it. And in the process,
you might even learn more than just that one word you’re looking up. - Put the settings on your phone and computer in English.
- Talk to yourself – or to your pet – in English (preferably when no-one else is around). This is a great way to develop fluency. And you can practice grammar forms at the same time. “I wonder if there’s snow already at Bukovel.” “Why did she look at me that way?” “I haven’t a clue.”
- Listen to the radio – or even just have it playing in the background. Listen to podcasts on the way to work (I know many of you do this already). This will give you a sense of the cadence (rhythm) of English, and unconsciously you will start to imitate the way we express ourselves.
- (A no-brainer.) Watch TV/movies in English.
- While you are standing waiting for a taxi, or sitting outside the doctor’s office – look around and try to name or describe to yourself everything you see in English.
- When you listen to native English-speakers talk – for example, when the customer’s side is giving a presentation – play a little game and try to guess what they are going to say next. Obviously you won’t always get it right – but that isn’t the point.
- If you play guitar/piano, or just sing, learn songs in English. Or if you are not a musician, but enjoy music, pay attention to the lyrics. This is great for learning phrases and slang. (But try not to puzzle too much over the grammar – or lack of it – in song lyrics.)
- Consciously stop yourself from translating back into your native language (i.e. mentally ask your native language to kindly not interfere while you are engaging with this other language).
- In conversation with native-speakers, try to re-use the phrases that you hear them use. You can repeat their questions, for confirmation, for example.
- Read. Read the news in English. Surf websites that are in English. Read books – and not just technical books, read fiction too. Fiction will deepen your feel for the language.
- Maximize your interaction with native English-speakers. Attend an English-language club, for example – there are quite a few of these around. As icing on the cake you’ll make new friends.
- And, lastly, be proud of your progress in the language so far. Say to that face in the mirror: “My English is getting better all the time.”
