Being bilingual people somehow prevent us to switch from the native language into other smoothly, especially if we rarely apply that language in daily conversations and not living in that speaking country. We tend to think and translate the words inside minds before they are delivered out from mouth. It will definitely make the pace of speech becomes slower and unnatural. People who just pick up new language to be learned as second language usually get started from the way it forms such as the structure, written expression and attempt to memorize some daily-used vocabularies. As one of the most spoken language worldwide, English are learned and taught practically in every countries as their second language. Most learner final objective and goal when they learn second language is that achieving the fluency. However, it is obviously a challenge to have speech unconsciously without converting it from the mother tongue beforehand since we are not used and not surrounding by the atmosphere and environment of that language. Besides, if the amount of time in having practice to apply that new language is restricted, the desire for being fluent is such arduous journey. Moreover, based on VoA’s recent research and study published, we can take some mental exercise to begin think in English. Here are some of those;
- Think in single words
Some people are unlucky enough to experience residing abroad to learn language and involving themselves with the native speaker. We clearly are able to break the barrier by doing bunch of practices even though there is no single person we can talk to. We have to keep in mind and realize that even the experts were once a beginner in all matters and circumstances including in learning language. We may tackle that obstacle by getting started to name and label all of the objects whatever we notice around in English. By repeating this habit every single day, the words are going to stick forever eventually. Charles Thomas, an experienced English teacher for children and teenager for over 10 years, suggests to start with nouns (name of things, animals, etc) and then add in verbs (action). He stated that people can do this at home when they wake up and before going to sleep.
- Describe unfamiliar words.
Undoubtedly, in learning second language, we will get bumped with the unknown words. Besides, some objects are hardly to recall the name in English. You might find yourself in the midst of frustration and probably lost somehow. If this occurs to you when attempting to utter or mention something in other language, try to describe that thing using your own words. Let’s say that you have no idea for the words of “refrigerator”. You may provide some descriptions by saying simple phrase such as “a cold machine, place to keep the vegetables and fruits cold, etc.”
- Think in sentences
When you acquire yourself somewhere or notice something, try to describe those in English. When you are inside your room and happen to see the bed, you may get started saying simple sentence like “I have a comfort bed”. This method and way applies to every occasion. By doing this activity repetitively and frequently, in the meantime you are going to get used by it. It definitely will amaze you due to the automation in switching the language.
- Describe your day
According to Thomas’s research, He asked his beginning-level students to describe their day using simple words and sentences in present verb form. When the students do something, they have to describe those activities. Things such as “I drink water, She puts on her socks.” Following that, the learners can create their own diary of their daily life, what they have accomplished today since dusk to dawn for instance. By having this exercise in every single day, they students are provided opportunities to apply the tenses and verb form in past tense.
- Take notes
When applying those advices above, all of learners often encounter difficult words and phrases which prevent them to get the entire meaning of sentences. Hence, at this point, dictionaries are essential and necessary. If the level of your English is in intermediate one, considering to use English-English dictionaries are suggested. Experts advice to write down just five to 10 words or phrases each day. Having notebooks which consist of vocabularies’ lists will help you out to recall the words later when it is needed in such situation.
- Practice it daily
No matter how tiny the progress is, remember that you are already one step closer to the goals. Little progress yet consistent are far away better than doing once at time. if the system oh habit is repeated, remarkable outcomes are about what you get eventually.
References:
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/train-your-mind-to-think-in-english/5023664.html