learn to learn
Why you should speak only English in English lessons
how using your native language seems effective but brings many problems
A native language is your first language, the one that you know from a young age. You never had to learn this language from books. You picked it up naturally from your friends and family.
It sounds good to use your native language during your English lessons, doesn't it? Of course, people want to know how say a new word in their native language.
However, using it isn't a brilliant idea.
However, using it isn't a brilliant idea.
During a real conversation in English, you can't just ask "How to say it in my native language?". So why would you do it in lessons?
If you build sentences in your native language and then just say them in English, you won't speak well. To start speaking better, you have to stop translating. There's no better way than practise.
Did you forget a word? Explain it in a different way!
Did you forget a word? Explain it in a different way!
"But how do you teach new words if you don't use translations?"
Actually, there are many ways. A teacher can explain, use dictionary, show pictures or signs, use sentences with this word or give exercises.
It's easier than it sounds.
It's easier than it sounds.
For example, we want to know what "go to sleep" means. Let's look at "go to sleep" in the Cambridge Dictionary!
Why is it better to use a dictionary than to just translate it?
Why is it better to use a dictionary than to just translate it?
- "To start sleeping" is already a good way to explain. You just don't need your native language to understand it.
- There are examples! You can see "go to sleep" in a context and notice how it changes the form.
- You learn that "go to sleep" = "fall asleep".
- Your brain starts to see English as two different languages! You slowly learn to think in English and to speak real English. This is most important thing.
You can also learn what else "go to sleep" can mean.
If your arm or leg has gone to sleep, you can't feel or control it, often because you have been sitting or lying on it for too long in a strange way.
Listening to a teacher explaining and doing some exercises usually helps to understand what a word means. But if you want to see a translation, you can do it after your lesson! It's just important to spend an hour speaking only English.
"Speaking only English teaches you to think in English and feel comfortable. That's why it's so important".