One of the biggest challenges when it comes to language mastery and communication is fluency.

Part of what makes fluency difficult to achieve is changing the way you think.

Specifically, changing your thinking from your native language into your foreign language, in this case, English.

So I'm going to teach you four exercises to do to think in English.

When you start thinking in English you'll notice that your ability to speak more fluently will also increase.

Let's get into it!

(1) Don't Translate

Translating into your native language (L1) is just kicking the can down the road. It might help briefly in the moment, but it hurts the overall outcome…being able to speak fluently and think fluently in English.

Think of how much time it takes to translate from one language into the other. A waste of time, really.

Also, not everything can be translated.

Have you ever encountered a word, expression, or phrase that does not have an equivalent in English?

There are many!

This is because language and culture are intertwined and what's valuable in one culture is not necessarily valued by another and vice versa.

So don't waste your time trying to translate. 

Your brainpower is better used elsewhere.

(2) Start Simple

Your brainpower is needed in building your repertoire of vocabulary, expressions, phrases in English! 

The only way to stop translating is to start thinking in simple terms.

It's ok to start with the basics, we all do.

The important thing is that you start from somewhere. 

Start with simple words, simple thought, simple expressions.

Use what you know already. Whatever your current vocabulary level is, use the words you have.

Don't use big words whose meanings you don't know just because they sound fancy or smart.

And don't be tempted to translate from your L1.

As soon as you are tempted to think in your native language, which will of course seem easier at the moment, it will not get you to your goals of English fluency!

Train your brain. By this I mean as soon as a thought pops into your head that is NOT in English acknowledge the thought then let it disappear into the ether. This is what we are taught in mediation practice.

(3) Designate English-Only Topics

Choose a few topics that you ONLY think of in English.

Start with one category and add more to that.

My recommendation would be to start with a category related to your career or hobby.

For example, if you are in the tech industry, then everything having to do with tech you'll think about in English.

Soon you'll notice that there are words and phrases that are missing and you'll fill in the blanks by reading in English in those areas (i.e., tech) as well as listen to podcasts in those areas.

You will notice that you need more comprehensible input and seek out high-quality resources to help you fill those needs.

(4) Do Journaling

Journaling is one of the best ways to get to know yourself better because you are having conversations with yourself. 

More specifically, you can think of it as having a conversation with your thoughts.

Journaling in English helps you train your brain to think in English.

You will also find joy in seeing your progress. Since your journaling reflects your level of thoughts you will see a discernable difference if you keep at it.

You might start with simple thoughts, as reflected in simple thoughts but then over time see your journaling become more complex because your thoughts are becoming more complex and elaborate.

***

Fluency does not happen overnight.

But it does happen. 

Implement these strategies into your daily routine and you will see the progress.

It's just a matter of patience, consistency, and time.

See you in the next lesson!

About the Author and the Explearning Academy:

Mary Daphne is an expert in communication, executive skills and professional development. She is the founder of the Explearning Academy, a platform dedicated to helping individuals enhance their social fluency, boost their careers, and elevate their social game. Through immersive group coaching programs like the Executive Communication Lab and self-guided journeys, participants gain the social superpowers and career catapults they've been searching for. If you're ready to take your negotiation skills to the next level and connect with like-minded individuals, visit academy.explearning.co and explore the various plans available. Join the Explearning Academy community and unlock your full potential.

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