Think English; Don't Translate

Introduction:

Try imagining yourself speaking English to a friend or family member. The conversation seems to go well until your brain freezes. It processes the information it has been given and tries to translate it into English words. The process is dreary and feels awkward while in conversation. For example, if a Native spanish speaker is learning English for the first time, and is trying to hold a conversation with their teacher, they might process the words given to them in English, then translate word-for-word to Spanish to help understand what each word means. However, this feeling is mutual and completely normal for all speakers; it just takes a little time and reasoning to understand why this phenomenon occurs.

Why Does Translation Occur:

First, we have to understand what translation refers to. In simple terms, it's the brain’s ability to process information and simplify or alter the original information in a way that the human can interpret more easily. A language translator bridges the gap between two speakers who don’t have a common language. They help connect speakers and express words in a way that both communicators can understand what the other is expressing. Speaking English can be tricky if you’re surrounded by an environment that doesn’t speak it often. The brain will always be adapted to its native environment, so a secondary language can be hectic to learn. Using Spanish as an example again, a word such as “pencil” may be interpreted as “el lápiz.” It's instinct to refer to the common term that the speaker understands. Understand English and comprehend the terms; don’t rely on translation. Slip-ups may happen, and terms from a primary language may accidentally spill during a conversation due to translation, and it is important to try to mitigate the impacts of translation.

How to Fix Translation:

Translation is a laborious process to heal; it can take months to years to see progress, and even the best bilingual speakers may accidentally revert to translation. There are some ways to help with it, 

• Label tasks around you in simple, English terms.

- “I am washing the dishes.”

- ‘I am solving math problems.

- “I am watching a TV show.

It doesn’t need to be long, enduring tasks; just simple enough to make you think in English, and also build your vocabulary. Describe your day, explain your surroundings, and try to build phrases rather than individual terms.

Change Everything to English:

It’s hard to learn a language when you attend a class or take an online course for an hour, then return home to revert to your native language. The brain cannot fully process what it had just learned the class the day before; it can be difficult to memorize dozens of terms, phrases, rules, and mnemonics when you’re not surrounded by the language. Nonetheless, there are some ways to help encircle yourself with English through the internet. Everyone may not be privileged, but for those who have the opportunity to use the internet should maximize its purpose. For example, changing your phone’s settings to English rather than its prior language to help your brain understand where apps are and how to adapt to a new environment. Changing the language on the TV helps you stay entertained, as well as understand what the characters are conversing about in another language. Watch YouTube videos with English subtitles, go to the comment section and learn other individuals' thoughts, and join forums online that have a common interest in English. The best ability is opportunity, and magnifying it can significantly improve your English Journey. 

However, some individuals may not have the luxury of having a phone or a community to learn English from. English is universal, and everyone deserves the ability to learn it effectively and thoroughly. Some ways to learn English include a diary and flashcards. They are old-fashioned, but they are effective ways to build vocabulary. An English diary can help speakers narrate their thoughts on paper, and they have the option to look at the entire day of written actions in their diary to analyze strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, practice and determination are the deciding factors in learning another language. It takes effort and commitment to learn dozens of words and rules, but the effects of mastering them can be life-changing.

Our Goal:

Translation is a beginner-intermediate problem that the majority of speakers face. It's important to tackle it strategically, as plateauing is very common. At Hope through English, we hope to enlighten our learners with the best opportunity of learning English with our array of articles and programs. English should be for all, and serious opportunities and options can be received from a base understanding of one of the world’s most popular languages, English.