Effortless English Podcasts
Effortless English Chat
How to Train Your Brain to Think in English.
Alex: Hi everyone, welcome back to Effortless English Podcasts.
Alex: I'm Alex.
Luna: And I’m Luna.
Alex: Today, we have an exciting topic.
Alex: How to rewire your thinking in English.
Luna: Yeah, sounds fancy, right?
Luna: But what does that actually mean?
Alex: Well, it's about training your brain to think directly in English.
Alex: Instead of translating from your native language.
Luna: Wait, wait, wait.
Luna: So you’re saying I have to delete my first language from my brain?
Alex: No, not exactly.
Alex: It’s more about building a habit where English becomes your default way of thinking.
Luna: Hmm, sounds interesting.
Luna: But also a bit challenging.
Alex: That’s why we’re here to break it down.
Alex: I've done some research on this.
Alex: And there are actually studies that support this method.
Luna: Of course, you checked the research.
Luna: You love numbers and science.
Alex: Hey, numbers don’t lie.
Alex: Many polyglots and language experts say thinking in your target language speeds up fluency.
Luna: Okay, I get that.
Luna: But I want to know if this is practical.
Luna: Like, how hard is it?
Luna: Will it work for everyone?
Alex: Good questions.
Alex: Today, we’ll talk about what it means to think in English.
Alex: How to start.
Alex: Common challenges.
Alex: And ways to measure progress.
Luna: And, of course, I’ll make sure we discuss the fun and easy ways to do this.
Alex: Naturally.
Alex: We want this to be useful but also enjoyable.
Luna: Before we jump in, just a quick reminder.
Luna: If you want to read along, we have the full transcript available.
Luna: The link is in the description.
Alex: Also, if you need subtitles, turn on the CC option.
Alex: We have multiple languages available.
Luna: Alright, let’s get started!
Alex: Alright, let’s start with the basics.
Alex: What does it actually mean to think in English?
Luna: Yeah, that’s what I want to know.
Luna: Are we supposed to erase our native language?
Alex: No, no, that’s not the goal.
Alex: Thinking in English just means reducing your reliance on translation.
Alex: It’s about forming direct connections between words and ideas in English.
Luna: So, instead of thinking in my first language and translating, I should go straight to English?
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: It’s about training your brain to skip the translation step.
Luna: But wait.
Luna: Is that even possible?
Luna: I mean, don’t we all translate when learning a new language?
Alex: At the beginning, yes.
Alex: But if you keep translating forever, it slows you down.
Alex: Your brain has to do extra work.
Luna: Okay, I see that.
Luna: But how is this different from what we usually do?
Luna: Most people learn English by memorizing words and translating them.
Alex: That’s the traditional way.
Alex: But the problem is, translation is not always accurate.
Alex: Some words and phrases don’t have perfect equivalents.
Luna: Oh, like idioms?
Luna: Or cultural expressions?
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: Some phrases don’t make sense when translated word for word.
Alex: That’s why learning to think in English helps.
Alex: You start understanding words in context.
Luna: But is there any proof that this works?
Luna: Or is this just a theory?
Alex: There’s actually a lot of research on this.
Alex: Studies show that people who think in their target language develop fluency faster.
Luna: Huh, interesting.
Luna: Why does that happen?
Alex: Because thinking in English improves processing speed.
Alex: Your brain gets used to forming sentences naturally.
Alex: It also helps with pronunciation and grammar.
Luna: Wait.
Luna: So you’re telling me my brain can work faster just by changing how I think?
Alex: Pretty much.
Alex: Language is like a muscle.
Alex: The more you train it in English, the stronger it gets.
Luna: That actually makes sense.
Luna: So it’s kind of like working out?
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: The more you practice, the easier it becomes.
Luna: But does this mean I have to stop using my native language completely?
Alex: Not at all.
Alex: Your first language is still useful.
Alex: But over time, you’ll rely on it less when using English.
Luna: Okay, so thinking in English is more about efficiency?
Alex: Yes, that’s a good way to put it.
Alex: It’s about making English a natural part of your thought process.
Luna: Got it.
Luna: But I still have questions about how to actually do this.
Alex: Don’t worry.
Alex: That’s exactly what we’ll cover next.
Alex: Alright, now that we know why thinking in English is important, let’s talk about how to start.
Luna: Yes, please.
Luna: I mean, saying “just think in English” is easy.
Luna: But actually doing it sounds tricky.
Alex: True.
Alex: So let’s break it down into simple steps.
Alex: The first question is, should you completely avoid your native language?
Luna: Oof, that sounds extreme.
Luna: Do we really have to do that?
Alex: Not really.
Alex: Your native language is a tool, not an enemy.
Alex: But if you rely on it too much, it slows your progress.
Luna: So, we shouldn’t stop using it, but we should limit it?
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: Think of it like training wheels on a bike.
Alex: At first, you need them.
Alex: But if you never take them off, you’ll never ride freely.
Luna: Okay, so what’s the first step?
Luna: How do I start thinking in English?
Alex: The simplest way is to start small.
Alex: You don’t have to form complex thoughts right away.
Alex: Just try naming objects around you in English.
Luna: Oh, like “chair,” “window,” “coffee”?
Alex: Yes, exactly.
Alex: The goal is to connect English words directly to things, not translations.
Luna: Hmm, that’s doable.
Luna: What else?
Alex: Another good method is self-talk.
Alex: Try describing what you’re doing in English.
Luna: Like “I’m making coffee,” “I’m washing my hands”?
Alex: Yes.
Alex: Narrating simple actions helps your brain get used to thinking in English.
Luna: But what if I don’t know a word?
Alex: Good question.
Alex: Instead of stopping, try to explain it using words you already know.
Luna: Oh, so if I don’t know “ceiling,” I can say “the wall above me”?
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: That’s how kids learn their first language.
Luna: Okay, but what if I need more practice?
Luna: Are there other ways to train my brain?
Alex: Yes.
Alex: Writing is a great way.
Alex: Try keeping a daily journal in English.
Luna: Ugh, journaling sounds like work.
Alex: It doesn’t have to be long.
Alex: Just write a few sentences about your day.
Luna: Hmm, I guess I can try.
Luna: What about conversations?
Alex: Conversations are great.
Alex: If you don’t have a speaking partner, you can practice with AI or record yourself.
Luna: Wait, talking to AI?
Luna: You mean like a chatbot?
Alex: Yes.
Alex: Chatbots can simulate conversations and help you practice.
Luna: That actually sounds fun.
Alex: It is.
Alex: The key is to build a habit.
Alex: The more you do it, the more natural it becomes.
Luna: So, to sum up.
Luna: Start small with object names.
Luna: Use self-talk.
Luna: Try journaling.
Luna: And practice speaking, even if it’s with a chatbot.
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: These small steps will help train your brain to think in English.
Luna: Alright, I’ll give it a shot.
Luna: But I still feel like there will be some challenges.
Alex: Of course.
Alex: That’s what we’ll talk about next.
Luna: Alright, so we know how to start thinking in English.
Luna: But let’s be real.
Luna: There will be struggles.
Alex: Of course.
Alex: No skill develops overnight.
Luna: So, what’s the biggest challenge?
Alex: The first one is vocabulary.
Alex: Many learners feel stuck because they don’t know enough words.
Luna: Yeah, that makes sense.
Luna: If you don’t know the words, how can you think in English?
Alex: The trick is to use what you know.
Alex: Instead of stopping, try describing things in a simple way.
Luna: Oh, like if I forget the word “refrigerator,” I can say “the cold box”?
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: Native speakers do this too.
Alex: If they forget a word, they explain it in another way.
Luna: Hmm, I like that.
Luna: It keeps the brain working in English.
Alex: That’s the goal.
Alex: You’re training your brain to stay in English mode.
Luna: Okay, next problem.
Luna: What if my brain just works too slow?
Alex: You mean, if you always pause to find words?
Luna: Yes!
Luna: My thoughts move faster than my English.
Alex: That’s completely normal.
Alex: At first, your brain needs time to adjust.
Luna: So, how do I speed it up?
Alex: One way is shadowing.
Alex: Listen to native speakers and repeat what they say.
Luna: Oh, I’ve heard of that!
Luna: It forces you to keep up, right?
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: It trains your brain to process English faster.
Luna: Sounds intense.
Luna: Any other tricks?
Alex: Yes.
Alex: Timed writing can help too.
Alex: Set a timer and write as much as you can without stopping.
Luna: So, don’t worry about mistakes?
Alex: Right.
Alex: The goal is speed, not perfection.
Luna: Hmm, I like that.
Luna: Okay, last question.
Luna: Should I force myself to think in English all the time?
Alex: Not necessarily.
Alex: It’s better to start small and increase gradually.
Luna: So, no need to stress about it?
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: Think in English when you can, but don’t pressure yourself too much.
Luna: Alright.
Luna: So, the key is to practice with what I know, build speed, and be patient.
Alex: That’s the perfect summary.
Luna: Nice!
Luna: I feel ready to tackle this.
Alex: Great!
Alex: Next, let’s talk about how to measure progress.
Luna: Alright, let’s say I start thinking in English today.
Luna: How long will it take before I feel fluent?
Alex: That depends.
Alex: Everyone learns at a different pace.
Luna: Ugh, I knew you’d say that.
Luna: Give me a number!
Alex: Fine.
Alex: Some experts say it takes a few months to a year.
Luna: A year?
Luna: That’s so long!
Alex: Not really.
Alex: Think about learning any skill.
Alex: Fluency doesn’t happen overnight.
Luna: True, but how do I know I’m improving?
Alex: There are signs.
Alex: First, you’ll notice fewer translation steps.
Luna: Oh, so my brain will stop switching languages so much?
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: At first, you think in your native language, then translate.
Alex: But over time, words will just appear in English.
Luna: Okay, that makes sense.
Luna: What else?
Alex: You’ll start responding faster in conversations.
Luna: Oh, like I won’t freeze so much?
Alex: Right.
Alex: Your brain will get used to forming sentences quickly.
Luna: Hmm, I like that.
Luna: Any other signs?
Alex: Yes.
Alex: You’ll start dreaming in English.
Luna: Wait, really?
Luna: That happens?
Alex: Yep.
Alex: It’s a sign your brain is processing English naturally.
Luna: Whoa, that’s cool.
Luna: But do I need to reach C1 level before I start?
Alex: Not at all.
Alex: You can start at any level.
Luna: So even beginners can do this?
Alex: Yes.
Alex: The key is to practice daily and stay consistent.
Luna: Alright.
Luna: So, less translation, faster responses, and maybe even English dreams.
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: Those are great signs of progress.
Luna: Nice!
Luna: I’ll watch for them.
Alex: Good.
Alex: Next, let’s talk about tools to help with training.
Luna: Alright, I’m convinced.
Luna: But I need some tools to help me out.
Alex: Good idea.
Alex: There are a lot of great resources.
Luna: Okay, let’s start with apps.
Luna: Any recommendations?
Alex: Yes.
Alex: Anki is great for vocabulary.
Alex: It uses spaced repetition to help you remember words.
Luna: Oh, I’ve heard of that.
Luna: It shows you words at the right time so you don’t forget.
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: And for conversation practice, there’s HelloTalk.
Luna: Oh, that’s the one where you chat with native speakers, right?
Alex: Yes.
Alex: You can message people and correct each other’s sentences.
Luna: Sounds useful.
Luna: What about books?
Alex: There are graded readers.
Alex: They’re books written for learners at different levels.
Luna: Oh, so I don’t have to struggle with complex words?
Alex: Right.
Alex: They help you build fluency step by step.
Luna: Hmm, okay.
Luna: What about TV shows and news?
Luna: Can those help?
Alex: Definitely.
Alex: Watching English content trains your brain to understand naturally.
Luna: But sometimes, they speak too fast.
Alex: That’s normal.
Alex: You can start with subtitles and gradually turn them off.
Luna: What’s better, TV shows or news?
Alex: Depends on your goal.
Alex: TV shows help with casual conversations.
Alex: News helps with formal language.
Luna: Okay, so mix both.
Alex: Yes.
Alex: And don’t just watch—repeat sentences out loud.
Luna: Oh, shadowing again?
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: It improves pronunciation and speed.
Luna: Alright.
Luna: Last question.
Luna: Do I need full immersion?
Alex: Not necessarily.
Alex: But the more English in your life, the better.
Luna: So, just add as much as possible?
Alex: Yes.
Alex: Change your phone settings to English.
Alex: Follow English content creators.
Alex: Try to think in English daily.
Luna: Alright, I’ll try it.
Luna: Let’s see if it works!
Alex: That’s the spirit!
Alex: Now, let’s talk about the deeper effects of this method.
Luna: Alright, we’ve talked about how to think in English.
Luna: But what happens if I actually succeed?
Alex: What do you mean?
Luna: Well, does thinking in English change how I express myself?
Alex: Actually, yes.
Alex: Studies show that language affects personality.
Luna: Wait, are you saying I’ll become a different person?
Alex: Not completely.
Alex: But you might act or think differently in English.
Luna: That’s wild.
Luna: Why does that happen?
Alex: Each language has its own culture and way of thinking.
Alex: When you switch languages, you also switch mindsets.
Luna: Oh, like how English is more direct?
Luna: And some languages are more polite?
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: English speakers tend to be more straightforward.
Alex: Other languages may focus more on respect or formality.
Luna: So, I might sound more confident in English?
Alex: It’s possible.
Alex: Some people say they feel bolder when they speak English.
Luna: That’s so interesting.
Luna: But does this mean bilingual people have two personalities?
Alex: Some researchers say yes.
Alex: It’s called the “dual identity” theory.
Luna: Whoa.
Luna: So I could have an “English Luna” and a “native-language Luna”?
Alex: Kind of.
Alex: Many bilinguals say they feel different in each language.
Luna: That’s crazy.
Luna: But it makes sense.
Luna: When I speak English, I feel more relaxed.
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: Language shapes emotions and thoughts.
Luna: So, if I think in English more, will it change my personality long-term?
Alex: Maybe.
Alex: You might develop new habits in communication.
Luna: Hmm, I wonder if that’s a good thing.
Alex: It depends.
Alex: Being multilingual can make you more adaptable.
Luna: True.
Luna: It’s like having different versions of myself.
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: And that’s an advantage.
Luna: Wow.
Luna: I never thought learning English could go this deep.
Alex: Language is powerful.
Alex: It’s not just words.
Alex: It’s a way of thinking.
Luna: Mind blown.
Luna: Alright, let’s wrap this up!
Alex: Alright, we’ve covered a lot today.
Alex: Let’s do a quick recap.
Luna: Yes, please.
Luna: My brain is full right now.
Alex: First, we talked about what it means to think in English.
Luna: Right.
Luna: It’s not about deleting your native language.
Luna: It’s about skipping translation.
Alex: Exactly.
Alex: Then, we discussed how to start.
Alex: Small steps like naming objects and self-talk can help.
Luna: And journaling.
Luna: Don’t forget that one.
Alex: Of course.
Alex: Next, we tackled common problems.
Alex: Like vocabulary limits and slow thinking speed.
Luna: Yeah.
Luna: And we learned that it’s okay to describe words instead of stopping.
Alex: Right.
Alex: We also talked about progress.
Alex: Signs like faster responses and even dreaming in English.
Luna: That one still blows my mind.
Luna: Can’t wait to see if it happens.
Alex: It will.
Alex: Just keep practicing.
Luna: And we covered tools.
Luna: Apps, books, TV shows, and full immersion.
Alex: Yes.
Alex: The more English you surround yourself with, the better.
Luna: And finally, we explored how language affects personality.
Alex: That was a fun one.
Alex: Thinking in English might actually change how you express yourself.
Luna: Yep.
Luna: English Luna might be more confident than native-language Luna.
Alex: Maybe!
Alex: So, what was your favorite part of today’s discussion?
Luna: Hmm.
Luna: I think the personality shift part was the most surprising.
Luna: What about you?
Alex: I liked the science behind thinking in English.
Alex: The brain is fascinating.
Luna: Nerd.
Alex: I’ll take that as a compliment.
Luna: Alright, now it’s your turn, listeners!
Luna: What do you think about today’s topic?
Alex: Have you ever tried thinking in English?
Luna: Did you face any struggles?
Luna: Or maybe you already dream in English?
Alex: Let us know in the comments.
Luna: We’d love to hear your experiences.
Alex: And if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like and subscribe.
Luna: See you next time!
Alex: Bye for now!
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