In the article titled “How to Think in English (It’s Easy)” by EngFluent, the author emphasizes the importance of incorporating English into one’s daily life in order to develop the ability to think in English naturally. The author, drawing from personal experience, highlights various practices that have helped them think in English effortlessly. These practices include listening to English podcasts and audiobooks, speaking English regularly, reading in English, and even writing articles in English. The article also addresses the significance of improving listening and speaking skills, as well as the need to eliminate the habit of translating between English and one’s native language. By implementing these suggestions, English learners will be able to think in English more fluently and eloquently.
Boost Your English Skills Today
How to Think in English (It’s Easy)
Thinking in English is a desirable skill for many English learners. It enables them to communicate more fluently and naturally, without having to rely on translation. While it may seem challenging, with the right approach and consistent practice, anyone can develop the ability to think in English. This article will guide you through the necessary steps to make English an integral part of your daily life, improve your listening and speaking skills, and overcome the habit of translating between English and your native language.
Make English a part of your daily life
To think in English, you need to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Here are some effective ways to make English a part of your daily routine:
Read English books and articles
Reading English books and articles is not only a great way to expand your vocabulary and improve your reading skills, but it also exposes you to the structure and flow of English sentences. Make a habit of reading something in English every day, whether it’s a newspaper article, a novel, or even online blog posts related to your interests.
Browse English sites related to your hobbies or interests
Another effective way to incorporate English into your daily life is by exploring English websites that cater to your hobbies or interests. By reading content that you are passionate about in English, you not only learn new vocabulary and phrases, but you also start thinking in English within the specific context of your interests.
Change the language of your phone, computer, and TV to English
Switching the language settings of your devices to English may initially be intimidating, but it has a significant impact on your language immersion. When your phone, computer, and TV are all in English, you are constantly exposed to the language, and your brain naturally starts thinking in English as well.
Watch Hollywood movies in the original English soundtrack
Watching movies with the original English soundtrack is not only entertaining but also beneficial for improving your listening skills. As you watch the actors speak and engage with the storyline, you train your brain to comprehend and think in English. Additionally, subtitles in English can help reinforce your understanding of spoken English.
Improve your listening and speaking skills
Developing strong listening and speaking skills is crucial for thinking in English. Here are some practical ways to enhance these skills:
Spend time each day practicing listening
Dedicate a specific amount of time each day to actively engage in listening exercises. This can include listening to English podcasts, audiobooks, or even watching English videos with transcripts. The more you expose yourself to different accents, vocabulary, and speech patterns, the better your listening skills will become.
Practice speaking English regularly
To become fluent in any language, practice is essential. You can join conversation clubs, language exchange programs, or even hire a native English tutor to practice speaking regularly. Engaging in conversations with others in English allows you to think on your feet, express your thoughts, and immerse yourself in the language.
Read articles on how to improve listening skills
There are numerous resources available online that provide tips and techniques to improve your listening skills. These articles often include specific exercises and strategies that can help you train your ears to understand spoken English more effectively. Take advantage of these resources and incorporate the suggested practices into your daily routine.
Read articles on how to improve spoken English
Similar to improving your listening skills, there are also resources available that focus on enhancing your spoken English. These articles offer guidance on pronunciation, intonation, and language fluency. By applying the recommended techniques and consistently practicing, you can sharpen your speaking skills and boost your ability to think in English.
Translating – The reason you can’t think in English
One common obstacle to thinking in English is the habit of constantly translating between English and your native language. Here’s how you can overcome this challenge:
Use English-to-English dictionaries
Instead of relying on bilingual dictionaries that provide word meanings in your native language, switch to English-to-English dictionaries. These dictionaries not only help you understand the meaning of words in English, but they also aid in expanding your vocabulary and improving your overall reading comprehension.
Find a good dictionary that explains difficult words with simpler words
While using an English-to-English dictionary is recommended, not all dictionaries are created equal. Look for a dictionary, such as Lexico.com, that provides clear and concise definitions using simpler words. This ensures that you can understand and grasp the meaning of unfamiliar words without getting caught in a cycle of constant searching.
Force yourself to write in English without translating
Breaking the habit of translating while writing in English is essential for developing the ability to think in the language. Rather than writing in your native language and then translating, force yourself to write directly in English. This may initially be challenging, but with practice, it becomes easier, and you will find yourself thinking in English as you compose your thoughts.
Master The Art Of Thinking In English
Summary
To think in English, it is crucial to make English an integral part of your daily life, improve your listening and speaking skills, and overcome the habit of translating between English and your native language. By choosing to do everything in English whenever possible, dedicating time to practice and improve your listening and speaking abilities, and relying on English-to-English dictionaries instead of translation, you can train yourself to think in English naturally. Remember, thinking in abstract concepts is more natural than thinking in language, and by following these suggestions, you will find that thinking in English becomes an effortless process.