How to think in English instead of translating

Here’s a simple guide to help an English learner practice thinking in English instead of translating:

Start with simple words

Begin with basic vocabulary: objects around the room, daily activities, or common actions. For example, instead of thinking “mesa” (in Spanish) and translating it to “table,” practice directly identifying it as "table."

Use visual aids

Show pictures and describe them in English. For instance, if you see a photo of a dog, say, “It’s a small, brown dog” instead of describing it in your native language first.

Practice inner monologue

Encourage learners to narrate their actions in English. For example:

    “I’m brushing my teeth.”

    “I’m making coffee.”

Learn phrases, not just words

Teach learners full expressions or sentences they often use. Instead of learning individual words, they can use pre-built chunks like:

    “How are you?”

    “I need help with this.”

Ask open-ended questions

During practice, ask questions that require more than a yes/no answer, such as:

    “What did you do today?”

    “How do you feel about learning English?”

Play thinking games

Use activities like:

    Describing objects in the room.

    Guessing what someone is thinking based on English clues.

    Word association games in English.

Practice listening

Watch short videos or listen to audio in English. Afterward, ask the learner to summarize what they understood without switching back to their native language.

Focus on common scenarios

Role-play real-life situations in English, like ordering food, asking for directions, or introducing themselves.

Be patient and encourage mistakes

Remind the learner that mistakes are part of the process. Celebrate their efforts in thinking and speaking directly in English.

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