It can be really difficult to think in a foreign language automatically. That ability demands lots of time to get used to the new vocabulary and expressions and to the different grammar structure.
In our classes at the English Lab, our new challenge is to develop some techniques to improve our way to read, to write, to listen and to speak, always doing it directly in English and avoiding translations from Portuguese.
Literal translations usually create strange texts or conversations, as they make us use foreign words in the grammar structure of our mother tongue.
Last Saturday, the English Lab proposed a new task for the students: to write English words, verbs and expressions down on pieces of paper, as a brainstorm, using the idea of "how to think in English?". Any words could be used and the aim was to write a short text about the subject.
The text was written on the board, considering the pieces of paper and as long as ideas came to the students' minds, with the help of the teacher. Three parts (paragraphs) were considered: the introduction, the development of ideas and arguments and the conclusion.
The result was quite interesting and here it follows:
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| Brainstorm of words, expressions and verbs. |
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| Final text. |
"Learning English in Brazil can be difficult because not all people have good English classes in basic school. When we get older, it is even harder as we naturally start to forget things. One of the worst problems we face is to think in English when we are used to Portuguese.
When we try to get in contact with English, it is important to not be shy and to learn it step by step. It can also be useful to find someone that speaks English with you. Reading books, watching TV and movies, listening to an online radio, saving some time in your day to look for something interesting and pleasant to do, but in English - everything that you love to do may open your mind to English.
Find your way to think in English, just like we have done here!"
And you? What is your way to think in English? Do you have any tips? Leave us a comment! :)
