Hacks to Stop Translating in Your Head!
I know you. You understand more than you can speak in English. It’s not that you don’t want to speak, but you just feel so slow or get stuck on sounds and words, right? Stopping the habit of translating everything you hear or read in your head can be a challenging task, but with practice and persistence, it is achievable. You CAN stop translating in your head before you speak in English.
Google Translator may seem like a useful, quick tool. I know because I’ve been there. I used to translate entire sentences and paragraphs before I responded to texts and emails in my second language. It helps, but it will keep you stuck in the trap of translating.
I want you to push onwards and become a clear, confident communicator. Here are a few tips that may help you to stop translating before speaking in English:
🤔 Think in the language you are trying to learn: Instead of translating everything word-for-word, try to think in the language you are learning. So for example: if you are driving in your car and you stop at the red light and you start asking yourself, “When is it going to turn green? I’m running out of time.” Take that thought and make it English. That’s right. You aren’t speaking out loud, but you are learning how to change the way you think about the English language. This will make it easier when you speak next time since your thoughts are already in English. Try this with ANY daily task- making your breakfast, answering emails, running, etc.
📚Read and listen more: Reading and listening to content in English can help you become more comfortable with it. You’ll expand your vocabulary. When you know other synonyms for a word, you won’t get stuck trying to just think of that one that’s slipping your mind. Start with simple material and gradually work your way up to more complex content. But make sure it is something that interests you. It doesn’t and probably shouldn’t be “English-learning” material. Use your favorite movie or podcast. T
🖼️Use visual aids: Using pictures or other visual aids to help you associate words and phrases with their meanings can help you understand English without translating it in your head. For example: write a list of 7 words you use at your job in English and find a picture that describes it. Then you’ll think of the image rather than the translation.
🔥Practice, practice, practice: Practice is essential to learning any new skill. Try to use English as much as possible, even if it is just for a few minutes each day. Don’t get into the trap of making excuses. Even if you don’t have someone to practice with you can record your own voice. Download other practice tips here.
🫶Patience: It takes time and effort to overcome the habit of translating in your head. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. Many of my students have found that repeating these positive affirmations has helped them overcome their negative mindsets and become kinder to themselves.
Which tip will you try? Remember, learning a new language takes time and effort, but with persistence and the right techniques, you can overcome the habit of translating in your head and become more fluent in English!