How to Think in Another Language
What Does it Mean to Think in Another Language?
Thinking in a new language means learning to form thoughts in that language instead of translating from your own language first.
Many believe it’s a natural talent and it is very hard to learn, but actually, it is not an innate ability and as all new things, it just requires some practice. Trust me!
I know three languages very well, and now I am able to switch from one to the other effortlessly. But it hasn’t always been like this! I had to practice, quite a lot!
In this article, I’ll show you that anyone who really wants to, can learn to think in another language.
Why is Thinking in Another Language Difficult?
I want to start by saying that everyone has the ability to learn any foreign language, although it can be easier or harder depending on many factors.
In general, learning a new language is a complex process, and it doesn’t only involve learning new grammar and memorizing new vocabulary. When you learn another language, you discover new ways of thinking because languages can influence the way we think.
Interested in this topic? Read whether you behave differently when you speak other languages.
For me, the main reasons why thinking in another language is hard are the following:
- Mental translation: At the very beginning of my language learning journey, I used to find myself translating words and phrases back and forth between Italian and the language I was learning. This habit makes it hard to think directly in the new language because the brain keeps reverting to the native language as a base.
- Vocabulary limitations: Limited vocabulary knowledge in the new language restricts how effectively and fluently you can think. If you don’t know the words that you need to formulate thoughts or express ideas, you’ll struggle to think in that language.
- Grammar and structure differences: Every language has its own unique set of grammatical rules and sentence structures which can make it hard to construct thoughts directly in a new language. As a linguist, I prioritize the study of the grammar for this very reason!
- Lack of immersion: Full immersion in a language is highly effective for learning to think in that language. Without regular exposure and the necessity to use the language, it’s harder to train your brain to operate in it naturally.
- Psychological barriers: If you are afraid of making mistakes or you feel embarrassed, you might close towards the experience of thinking in another language. These emotional and psychological barriers can prevent the kind of relaxed, open mindset needed for language acquisition.
How to Start Thinking in Another Language?
Effective Methods
Being able to think in a foreign language is essential if you want to become fluent. It is not an easy task, but you can achieve it with constant practice and an effective method, that is, you need the proper resources and tools.
One of the most famous approaches is comprehensible input. The concept is straightforward: you will not become fluent by studying C2-level books if you’re an absolute beginner, and, at the same time, you will not improve if you keep on studying the same level.
Another useful method is spaced repetition. It involves reviewing information at increasing intervals to enhance memory retention, helping to solidify vocabulary and grammar over time.
Use Monolingual Dictionaries
While bilingual dictionaries translate a word in another language, monolingual dictionaries explain the meaning of a word in the language you’re learning.
This stimulates your brain not to translate everything into your native language and create new connections.You’ll be surprised to see that you can hugely boost your ability to think in another language.
Monolingual dictionaries are effective when you have a good grasp of the language. Otherwise, you would not understand the meaning of what you’re searching.
Focus on Fluency
There are two typed of people when it comes to learning a language: those who want to become fluent, and those who want to understand the language. I belong to the second group!
If your primary goal is to become fluent, then don’t stress too much about grammar.
Learning tons of rules might overload your brain with concepts you won’t probably use. Also, people do not knows every grammar rule or verb conjugation in their mother tongue either, because it is not a mandatory requirement to communicate.
Try to focus on fluency instead, and put the fear of making mistakes aside: it is inevitable to make little errors, but it shouldn’t prevent you from learning.
Read a lot
Reading helps you learn new vocabulary, improve your understanding of the language, and discover new expressions and idioms.
It is a great boost to make you think in a foreign language as it allows you to create new connections between new words and expressions and what you already know.
Try read something you like or makes you experience strong feelings: the human brain is programmed to react to emotions: when something you read evokes an emotional reaction, you tend to remember it easily.
Use the Target Language in Your Daily Life
A great way to improve your ability to think in another language is to practice the language every time you have the chance.
Do you want to know something fun? I talk to myself in all languages I want to practice! Luckily I do it when I am alone, otherwise people might think I am crazy!
But it doesn’t necessarily mean having a conversation with an imaginary friend: talking to yourself means that you’re eager to learn and motivated to speak even if you don’t have a language mate.
If you do not want to risk to be considered crazy, then you can start joining a community forum where you can practice writing skills and talk with other students online. Sort of like talking with yourself, but you receive feedback.
Or you can start with tiny tasks, like writing the grocery store list in the language you’re learning: you’ll be surprised by how this simple action can improve your ability to think in a foreign language.
Alternatively, you can engage in conversations with an AI tutor, so you can practice a daily life exchange of sentences.
Or you can also write down your thoughts, so that you can include your target language in your daily life. At first, you can start with simple sentences, and then you will be able to formulate more complex sentences and even start journaling in a foreign language.
Watch Videos
Many people might not enjoy reading (I have to confess it: I am one of those!). This doesn’t mean they don’t have the chance to practice thinking in another language, though.
Another effective way to absorb new words and phrases into our brains is to watch videos in a foreign language. There is plenty of choices: movies, YouTube videos, TV shows, or podcasts. That’s an enjoyable activity to absorb a foreign language naturally.
Learn New Idioms
A great way to include a new language into your daily life is to learn new idioms and sayings and use them often. This can shape the way you think and express yourself and is a great boost to your fluency.
Moreover, it will allow you to have a grasp on the culture of the language you are learning. But remember to write down the expressions you learn to stick them in your memory.
Start Thinking in Italian
There’s no secret: the best way to think in a new language is to use that language as much as you can: read, speak, listen to audios, watch movies.
When you learn a foreign language, you create new connections and are exposed to new perspectives, and your brain gets stimulated to think in that language. At first, it may be hard but it gets smoother with time.
Once you learn, I promise you that thinking in Italian will open up new worlds of understanding and expression. Just be patient at the beginning, practice a lot, and you will notice soon the rewards.
Embrace the challenges, and soon you’ll find yourself thinking in ways you never imagined possible.
