Train Your Brain to Speak English
Stop translating in your head. Kiora and Ethan share simple habits to start thinking in English and speak more naturally and confidently.
The lesson
Stop translating in your head
Many learners hear English, translate it into their language, think of an answer, then translate back. That is slow and tiring. The goal is to think in English directly. Start with very simple thoughts: This is a cup. I am hungry. It is raining. Small thoughts in English build the habit.
Learn chunks, not single words
Native speakers think in groups of words, called chunks, not word by word. Learn whole phrases like How are you doing?, I would like..., Can I get...?, That sounds great. When you learn a chunk, you can use it instantly without building it from zero.
Narrate your day
A powerful daily exercise is to describe what you are doing, out loud or in your head, in English. I am making coffee. Now I am opening the window. This turns normal moments into free speaking practice, with no stress and no audience.
Tip: surround yourself with English
Change your habits a little. Put your phone in English. Listen to a short podcast every day. Talk to yourself in the mirror. You do not need hours, just a few minutes often. Consistency beats intensity when you train your brain.
Watch the full episode
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Key vocabulary
to translate
/trænzˈleɪt/to change words from one language into another
“Try not to translate every word.”
Traduction
traduire
out loud
/aʊt laʊd/speaking so people can hear you, not silently
“Read the sentence out loud.”
Traduction
à voix haute
a habit
/ə ˈhæbɪt/something you do regularly, often without thinking
“Make English a daily habit.”
Traduction
une habitude
fluent
/ˈfluːənt/able to speak a language easily and well
“She is fluent in English.”
Traduction
courant (à l'aise)
a chunk
/ə tʃʌŋk/a group of words learned and used together
“"Nice to meet you" is a useful chunk.”
Traduction
un bloc de mots
to picture
/tə ˈpɪktʃər/to imagine or see something in your mind
“Picture the scene as you listen.”
Traduction
se représenter, imaginer
confident
/ˈkɒnfɪdənt/feeling sure about your ability
“Speaking every day makes you more confident.”
Traduction
confiant
Test yourself
1. What is the main advice of this lesson?
2. A 'chunk' is:
3. "Read it ___" means read so others can hear.
4. Which is the best daily practice from the lesson?
5. What beats intensity when learning?