is it possible to think just in a second language and to avoid to think in your first language when you are sp

Question

speaking or writing something? my teacher says it's possible to avoid to think in your language when you are speaking or writing in another languae.. in my case I am learning it's difficult to me the grammar and pronunciation.. I try to learn grammar but teacher says we should avoid to translate.. and the pronunciation it's hard for me cuz english is not phonetic as the spanish could you give me advices for it?

Answer 1

Yes, your teacher is right.

We have a daughter who is fluent in German, and who was living in Austria for a year. We went over for a visit, and during it of course we heard her speaking German to flatmates, shopkeepers, and other people.

I know a little German myself, but not enough to follow everything that she said. One time I asked her "What was that you just said?" and she replied "Oh . . . oh . . I know what it meant, but I can't quite think of an English way of putting it". So she was thinking in German, you see.

It takes immersion in the other language before this happens for you.

Answer 2

My first language is Spanish. I can think in English when writing in English. It is possible to avoid thinking in your native tongue. The only way I can do it is because I am fluent. I can speak a little French but when I write it I try to translate it, in which case it doesn't work. Becoming used to thinking in English or whatever language you're trying to learn is the biggest step. That's how I do it. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Interesting question indeed.. English is my second language. When I speak english then at the same time I think in my first language too.
When reading english novels etc then I completely read and think in english.
At that time mind is focused in reading. For learning grammer, one has to understand instead of translating.

Answer 4

Yes it is possible. You need to constantly use the second language in speaking, reading and writing. Speaking alone will not do it. You must read and write. You also need to immerse yourself in second language speaking environment for a period of time. Pronounciation is not as critical, but practice helps!

Answer 5

I can do it for speaking and reading, but not for writing. I also can't just "think to myself" in French, I need an influx of French or I automatically think in English. (This is after 30 or so years of "learning" French. I've been learning German for 6 years, sort of, and can't think in German at all.)

Answer 6

as you practice it will flow, stop thinking of formulas (structures and grammar rules) and think of an objective to communicate, start with something simple, "tengo sed" and a glass of Agua(or whatever) will appear "quieres tomar algo?" and your practice partner will drink with you.

translating is natural, i call it a reflex. just keep in mind that interpret is much better for fluency.

"score a touch down" is a perfect example
giving more importance to context and less to rules while practicing will avoid a slap when you say "down" "touch" etc.

be patient and keep trying

Answer 7

Yes, naturally start thinking in English when I'm using it. It's very hard with languages I'm not fluent in though.