Translating from your mother tongue to English is a frustrating feeling when it comes to learning English. Here are some tips and strategies to help you stop translating in your head and start thinking in English.

 

As you are thinking about some simple objects you encounter during your day, really focus on the pronunciation. Having effective pronunciation from the very beginning can boost one’s confidence when it comes to language acquisition.

If you are unsure about the pronunciation of a particular word: listen to native speakers, use an online dictionary (Merriam-Webster and Cambridge), or try using this website.

 

Think in basic/simple Sentences
Take a simple sentence starting phrase, for example: “I am/I’m . . .” and make a few sentences:
“I’m studying English.”
“I’m working on my computer.”
“I’m walking down the street.”

After creating a few sentences, look around you: can you talk about anything in your immediate environment?
“This meal tastes delicious.”
“This couch/sofa is very comfortable.”
“There are scissors in the drawer.”

If you are having difficulty describing something, make use of an online dictionary. Memorize the word(s)/phrase(s). Learning how a word or phrase is used in context is incredibly beneficial.