Why is it difficult to think and speak in English?
A gifted Ghanaian writer and teacher, Ernest Agyemang Yeboah once said “We fail to say the right words because we choose to say the wrong words! We choose to say the wrong words because we fail to think about the right words!”
1. ESL (English as a Second Language) learners often resort to translating instead of thinking quickly in English for several valid reasons:
2. Comfort and Familiarity: Translating allows ESL learners to draw from their native language, which is often more familiar and comfortable. When faced with complex thoughts or ideas, translating helps ensure clarity and accuracy, reducing the risk of miscommunication.
3. Vocabulary and Language Gaps: ESL learners may have gaps in their English vocabulary, making it challenging to articulate their thoughts on the spot. Translating allows them to search for the appropriate words and phrases in their native language, bridging these language gaps effectively.
4. Cultural Nuances: Understanding cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions in a foreign language can be challenging. Translating enables ESL learners to convey their intended messages with cultural sensitivity and authenticity, which is particularly crucial in social and professional contexts.
5. Reducing Anxiety: Speaking quickly in English, especially in unfamiliar or high-pressure situations, can be anxiety-inducing for ESL learners. Translating offers a sense of security, allowing individuals to formulate their responses thoughtfully, ultimately boosting their confidence in English communication over time.
Detriments of translating before speaking
- While translating before speaking can be a helpful strategy in some situations, it can also have several detriments:
- Communication Delay: Translating takes time, which can result in communication delays and make conversations feel disjointed. In fast-paced conversations or situations where quick responses are necessary, relying on translation can hinder effective communication.
- Loss of Fluency: Over-reliance on translation can impede the development of fluency in English. ESL learners may struggle to think and speak spontaneously in English, hindering their ability to engage in natural, fluid conversations. Furthermore, the act of translating may keep individuals tethered to their native language’s structure and thought patterns. This can result in literal translations that don’t align with English grammar and idiomatic usage.
- Inaccuracies and Misunderstandings: Translations may not always capture the full meaning or nuance of a phrase or expression. ESL learners may inadvertently convey incorrect or confusing information when they rely on translations, leading to misunderstandings.
- Reduced Confidence: Constantly translating can erode an ESL learner’s confidence in their English-speaking abilities. They may feel self-conscious about their language skills and avoid speaking in English altogether, which can hinder their language development.
- Limited Vocabulary Expansion: Relying on translation may discourage ESL learners from actively learning and using new English vocabulary and phrases. This can limit their ability to express themselves effectively and adapt to a variety of language contexts.
- Cultural Disconnect: Translating often means staying rooted in one’s native language and culture. ESL learners may struggle to understand and adapt to the cultural nuances and context-specific communication styles of English-speaking communities.
- Difficulty in Real-Life Situations: In real-life situations such as job interviews or social interactions, ESL learners may not have the luxury of time to translate. Over-reliance on this strategy can lead to increased stress and decreased performance in such scenarios.
Effects on English grammatical structure
Translation can significantly affect grammatical structure when speaking English, often leading to errors or awkward phrasing. Here are five examples of how translation can impact grammatical structure:
- Word Order Errors: In some languages, the word order differs from English. For instance, in Spanish, it’s common to place adjectives after nouns, while in English, adjectives generally precede nouns. A Spanish speaker translating “a red car” directly might say “un coche rojo,” which follows the Spanish word order. This can result in grammatically incorrect sentences in English, as it should be “a red car.”
- Lack of Articles: Some languages, such as Russian, do not use articles like “a,” “an,” or “the” in the same way that English does. ESL learners from these languages might omit articles or use them incorrectly when translating. For example, someone translating “I saw a movie last night” from Russian might say “I saw movie last night,” omitting the article “a,” which is necessary in English.
- Verb Tense Confusion: English has a complex system of verb tenses, which can be challenging for ESL learners. When translating, learners may use verb tenses from their native language that do not align with English grammar. For instance, a speaker of a language with fewer tenses might struggle with using the correct tense in English, resulting in sentences like “Yesterday, I am going to the store,” instead of the correct “Yesterday, I went to the store.”
- Subject-Verb Agreement Errors: Languages vary in how they handle the subject-verb agreement, and this can lead to mistakes in English. For instance, in some languages, the verb remains the same regardless of the subject’s number (singular or plural). An ESL learner from such a language might incorrectly say, “The dogs is barking,” instead of the correct “The dogs are barking.”
- Pronoun Usage Issues: Languages differ in their pronoun systems, and direct translation can result in improper pronoun usage in English. For example, some languages distinguish between formal and informal pronouns for “you,” while English generally uses just one form. A speaker from such a language might misuse formal language inappropriately, saying, “I love thee” instead of the more appropriate “I love you” in casual conversation.
How to Think and Speak in English
1. Immersive Language Learning:
Immersion involves surrounding yourself with the English language as much as possible. This includes watching English-language TV shows, movies, and videos, listening to English music and podcasts, and reading English books and articles. Engaging with English in real-life contexts immerses you in the language and exposes you to its nuances and natural expressions.
Example: Watching a TV series in English without subtitles and trying to follow the dialogues and storyline is an immersive way to enhance your listening skills and comprehension.
2. Use only the words you are familiar with:
Relying on familiar words and expressions boosts your confidence when speaking in English. It’s natural to feel more secure using words you have practiced and mastered, and this confidence can make you more comfortable engaging in conversations. Choosing words you’re familiar with when giving a presentation at work or describing your mood can help you feel more confident and deliver your message effectively. Example: I am happy.
While it’s important to use familiar words, it’s also essential to gradually expand your vocabulary. Over time, as you become more comfortable with the language, you can introduce new words and phrases into your conversations and thinking. This allows for gradual growth in your language skills without overwhelming yourself.
Example: After consistently using “happy” to express your emotions, you can introduce synonyms like “joyful” or “content” when you feel ready to expand your vocabulary.
3. Conversational Practice:
Engaging in conversations with native English speakers or proficient speakers of the language is one of the most effective ways to improve your speaking skills. Join language exchange groups, and conversation clubs, or find language partners to have regular discussions on a wide range of topics.
Example: Participating in weekly online discussions with English-speaking friends or joining a language exchange meetup to converse in English can significantly boost your speaking fluency.
- 4. Think in English and Use It Daily:
To think and speak in English, make a conscious effort to internalize the language. Start thinking in English about your daily activities, plans, and observations. Also, make efforts to speak out your thoughts. Use English for everyday tasks such as writing shopping lists, setting reminders, and taking notes. The more you use it, the more natural it becomes.
Example: Instead of thinking, “What should I eat for lunch?” try thinking, “What should I have for lunch today?” This small shift in your thought process reinforces your thinking in English.
You can also observe things around you and in movies then try to say them in simple phrases.
Example: The Pretty Princess
They are fond of each other
She is on a revenge mission.
5. Begin with Basic Sentences:
Start with simple sentences and basic vocabulary. Focus on constructing clear and concise statements to convey your thoughts. This foundation provides a solid starting point for more complex language skills.
Example: Instead of attempting a lengthy explanation, begin with basic sentences like “I like pizza” or “She is my friend.”
As you become comfortable with basic sentences, gradually introduce new words and phrases into your speech and thought processes. Learning a few new words each day and practicing them in context will broaden your expressive abilities over time.
Example: After mastering basic vocabulary, you can incorporate words related to specific interests, such as “photography” or “hiking,” to express your hobbies and preferences.
Once you feel confident with shorter sentences, challenge yourself by constructing longer phrases and sentences. This progression allows you to express more complex ideas and engage in more in-depth conversations.
Example: Transition from “I like ice cream” to “I enjoy trying various flavors of ice cream, especially during the summer months.
6. Keep a Journal:
Write a daily journal in English. You can start with simple sentences and gradually build up to more complex thoughts and ideas. This practice enhances your ability to express yourself in writing and, subsequently, in speaking.
Example:
- Simple Sentence: I woke up early.
- Complex Sentence: I woke up early because I wanted to have some quiet time before starting my busy day.
- Simple Sentence: She enjoys reading books.
- Complex Sentence: She enjoys reading books, especially those written by her favorite author.
7. Practice, Practice, Practice:
Consistent practice is essential. Engage in daily conversations, read English texts, and write in English regularly. The more you use the language, the more comfortable you will become with thinking and speaking in English.
Seek Feedback and Correct Mistakes: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they are a natural part of the learning process. Seek feedback from native speakers or language partners to identify areas for improvement. Correcting mistakes is an integral part of growth.
Example: If you realize you’ve made a grammatical error in a sentence, ask for clarification and guidance on how to correct it.
In summary, thinking and speaking in English is a transformative skill that opens doors to effective communication and cultural engagement in the globalized world we live in today. It’s not merely about using the language; it’s about embracing its nuances, idiomatic expressions, and the ability to articulate thoughts and emotions with confidence and fluency. This article will enhance readers’ transition from translating their native language to thinking directly in English, enabling more natural and impactful communication.
For more information on fluency and grammar, please click on the link below:
https://fluent-eng.com/confusing-english-words/