Learning a new language is both enjoyable and beneficial for experiencing different cultures. But how to think in another language? Read to learn more.
How to think in another language
Thinking in another language is frequently regarded as one of the most significant achievements in the process of acquiring a language. When learning a language for the first time, especially when learning French vocabulary and grammar, sheer force may be required.
However, once it has been downloaded and stored in your brain, subsequent actions may become easier and more natural. While attempting to learn how to think in another language, such as French, there are a few items to cross off the list first.
Language learning checklist
- Vocabulary
- Pronunciation
- Grammar
- Experience
- Speaking practice
Once you’ve mastered the aforementioned, it should be relatively easy to advance to the top tier of cognitive processing in your new language. In the end, the only thing that matters is practice. Specifically, how often, how much, and what you practice.
We are unable to perform your practice for you, despite how convenient it would be for you. We can only advise you on what to practice and how to stop mentally translating. Stay tuned!
Exposure: Eat, sleep, & breathe French
This has to be one of the most important considerations when learning how to think in a different language. The more time you spend speaking, reading, and listening to the language, the more acclimated and attuned your subconscious mind will become.
Supplementing is a great way to increase your exposure to your second language without spending extra time on it. Rather than using Netflix, try watching it in French with English subtitles.
If that sounds like too much after a long day at work, try watching it with French subtitles. There is no additional stress, and your mind can tune in and out as needed.
You could also consider including some French music in your regular playlist. Along with its incredible cuisine and culture, one of France’s many treasures is good music. If you just look, there are numerous genres to choose from, with something for everyone.
Practice with native speakers
It is best to read and repeat words aloud until you have mastered both their pronunciation and retained their meaning. Nothing beats hearing the words come straight from the horse’s (or native speakers’) mouth, regardless of how well you pronounce them.
If you are serious about learning to think in French, this is an important step. The ideal situation would be to relocate to France, even if only for a short time.
But even taking a vacation can be difficult; we understand that simply packing your bags and leaving your life behind is not easy. Fortunately, there are numerous excellent resources available, and if you shop around, you should have no trouble finding a native French teacher within your budget.
Talk to yourself in French
Consider how extremely beneficial it could be before your gut reaction takes over and you declare, “I’m not a crazy person, and I don’t want to start talking to myself.” Practice with a native speaker is the best way to improve your speaking and listening skills.
They are most likely limited in the amount of time they can devote to you and your language-learning endeavor. When you start talking to yourself in your new language, it’s not always a sign that your screws are a little too loose.
It could simply indicate that you are a motivated learner eager to improve your fluency. A great way to improve is to practice your words out loud when you’re in a quiet place where you won’t disturb anyone.
Try describing the area as you see it, posing and answering questions you think locals might ask, and even writing a song in the language! You’ll get closer to your goal if you do this and get used to the natural flow of the language.
How to think in French? Just think in French!
While conversing in French oneself is a great way to improve your fluency and develop a natural flow of language, it is not always practical. If you still want to use your French but don’t want to make a fool of yourself in front of bystanders, you can always practice in your head.
You can benefit from learning how to think in another language in a variety of ways. As previously stated, a great activity is to simply begin by sketching your immediate surroundings as they evolve.
Describe how objects sound, look, and smell. Describe the people you see around you. You might even come up with amusing stories about them and their lives.
Another beneficial practice is to select any topic and begin creating phrases related to it. You could use free time as an example and then start “talking” about all the different ways you like to spend your free time.
Do you want to think in French easily?
We all want to be able to think in a different language using our new language. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the advice above will help you get to the final level.
Exposure is the most effective method for teaching your mind the intricacies of your new language’s melodies and sounds. Speaking with native speakers is necessary for progress in any language, but they are not always available.
Try talking to yourself by doing it in those circumstances! Once you’ve gotten used to talking and have a good flow going, switch to thinking.
You will eventually master the skill and learn to stop translating in your head and think in another language. You will learn more about France as you practice speaking the French language.
Continue translating in your head. Do you want to learn real French? If you want to speak and think fluently in French quickly, check out Stefano’s courses!