Overcoming challenges of thinking in English

Sep 24, 2024

Podcast and Relax: Learn English with Leo and Gwen

Episode Overview

  • Hosts: Leo and Gwen
  • Focus: Overcoming challenges of thinking in English
  • Discussing why it is challenging and providing improvement tips

Why Thinking in English is Hard

  1. Habitual Thinking
    • The brain naturally thinks in its native language.
    • Limited vocabulary can hinder expression.
  2. Lack of Confidence
    • Fear of making mistakes.
    • Important to remember everyone makes errors during learning.

Tips for Starting to Think in English

  1. Start Small
    • Describe your day in English (e.g., daily tasks).
    • Describe your surroundings (e.g., items on the desk).
  2. Expand Your Vocabulary
    • Learn new words using flashcards, apps, and sentences.
    • Spaced repetition helps retain vocabulary.
  3. Immerse Yourself
    • Surround yourself with English (e.g., books, music, movies).
    • Interact with native speakers (e.g., using apps like HelloTalk).

Key Vocabulary Related to the Topic

  • Overcome: Conquer a challenge.
  • Express: To articulate feelings or thoughts.
  • Self-confidence: The state of being self-assured.
  • Describe: To narrate or portray.
  • Benefit: Advantage or positive outcome.

Additional Suggestions

  • Grammar and Thinking Naturally
    • Grammar provides guidelines for sentence construction.
    • Thinking in English involves using these guidelines freely.
  • Practice Patiently
    • Acknowledge small successes.
    • Stay consistent in practicing.
  • Avoid Striving for Perfection
    • Focus more on communication, rather than perfection.

Encouragement and Inspiration

  • Learning a language is a gradual process, like growing a tree.
  • Celebrate small victories (e.g., understanding sentences, ordering in English).
  • Keep a record of achievements and monitor progress.

Useful Words and Principles

  • Subtitle: Text of speech at the bottom of a screen.
  • Native: A person originating from a specific place or language.
  • Achievement: Success or accomplishment.
  • Patient: The quality of waiting without frustration.
  • Reward: A nice thing for a job well done.

Conclusion

  • Avoid relying on translating everything; it slows down thinking in English.
  • Focus more on the message rather than perfection.
  • Regular practice; over time, thinking in English will become more natural.
  • Free PDF available for additional vocabulary
  • Goodbye and see you in the next episode