Thinking in another language?

Question

I want to become fluent in spanish one day, and was wondering, should i try to think in spanish, instead of english? Also, when reading books, should i read them in spanish, or translate them to english in my head? (i mean should i just read them in spanish in my head without translating them?) When talking to someone, how do i just not translate stuff in my head? Like, how can i just know what they are saying in spanish without translating it? i dont understand what people mean when they say that (ex: Dont translate stuff, just listen and respond). it really confuses me! any help on how to become more fluent? thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, eventually you will find you can think and read the other language without using your primary language.

Talking with people in the second language helps a lot. I remember the first time I was in a group of bilingual speakers who were using both English and Spanish and I said something, then realized I did not know if I had said it in English or Spanish - it was kind of strange, but good because I realized I was becoming fluent.

You may also find that there are words in one language that do not really translate to the other. "Hermano" is a good example, it translates as "brother" but due to cultural differences, it can carry many nuances of meaning that it does not have in English.

For some reason, when I am very tired, it is easier to speak Spanish than English. Probably has to do with the parts of the brain involved and which parts start to glitch first when sleep-deprived....

Answer 2

When you become fluent in another language, you actually *think* in that language. Thinking in your first language is only going to hold you back. I guess some people can use language courses and books. But nothing beats being surrounded by the language. Try to go to a place where everybody around you will speak Spanish, and try not to resort to English all the time.

Answer 3

Pretty much everything you listed will help. I'm working on becoming fluent myself and I just speak in spanish whenever I can, say objects in spanish in my head, read spanish novels and pick apart the meaning, and work hard. It has to be apart of your life. It's worth it though, I love spanish.

Answer 4

Yes, it would be good for you to think in spanish rather than translate to english every time...don't worry, tho--this will come with time, practice and exposure to the language. For now, when you read and speak, it's okay to translate, but once you get so familiar with the lang, you may find yourself dreaming in spanish!

:-)

(This is what happened to me when I studied French for several years).

Answer 5

Don't worry about it. I don't think you can *try* not to think in your first language; you'll just eventually get to the point where you aren't usually.

My French is pretty good but even in a totally French conversation I'll be thinking 3/4 in English, and maybe 1/4 in French. But in a German conversation I'll be thinking 95% in English. I just don't think very well in German. (In an Italian conversation, I'll be thinking 90% in English and 10% in German--now THAT's confusing!)

Answer 6

You need to hang out with hispanics and try to go to their restaurants read the spanish newspaper wath tv in spanish and will eventually learn it. Or much better go to school and take a spanish course.

Answer 7

I've consistently questioned that...individuals that experience lived in a nation for a huge facet in their lifestyles however that grew up in a nation that speaks a further language. Do they nonetheless suppose of their first language, or the moment? oh--however no, i suppose in english :D

Answer 8

In order to get good at a language, u need someone to speak to you in that language regularly and u should speak back. My mother spoke to me in french as i grew up and now im fluent in french without have to take a course

Answer 9

Try to think in the new language..but it's very difficult not to translate it..this can take years and years of practice...I've spent years learning mandarin chinese and sometimes I can't get the sentence to not sound backwards to me..I think the Chinese call these "sick sentences"

Answer 10

Practice makes good