The study and learning of the English language depends a lot on our effort and interest. We live in a country where the mother tongue is of Latin origin; therefore, we receive many linguistic influences that are different from those that formed English, such as the Anglo-Saxon ones. This is already a fact that can compromise our performance when learning a new language that does not have its roots in Latin.
However, we know that human beings have an enormous capacity to learn new things. This fact leads us to believe that we are all capable of acquiring a new language, whatever it is. What people who need or want to learn to speak a new language really lack is commitment!
So that the effort to learn the English language is not in vain, it is necessary to have some attitudes for this study to evolve. Therefore, we can say that the main step to be reached for those who are engaged in this task is learn to think in english!
Even living in a Portuguese-speaking country, is it possible to learn to think in English? The answer is yes! Of course it's possible, but it depends a lot on you! We'll give you some simple tips on how to make learning English possible through a change of mind. Understand:
If you think in English, you won't have to translate everything you hear in that language into your mother tongue. This way, it will be much easier to comre-read what you heard or read!Tips for Learning to Think in English
#1 – READ IN ENGLISH!
Read something in English EVERY DAY, preferably something recent, news, for example. There are several magazines and newspapers where you can find a read that will help you improve your performance. Look for something related to your daily activities! If you are in the habit of reading about economics in Portuguese, then read something on the same topic in English. Always look for a subject that interests you and that you have a certain domain, it will help a lot. It is also important that you look for something that is within your level of English and never give up on the first few readings.
Here are some links to magazines and newspapers that you can choose to start your reading DAILY! Do not forget: read every day!
Magazines:
- THE National Geographicis a magazine that talks about subjects related to nature and also about travel, among other subjects.
- economist is a British magazine focused on subjects about the economy and politics of England and the world.
- Team is considered the largest circulation magazine in the world. Of American origin, it has regional and world editions. Talk about general matters.
- BusinessWeek is a magazine that talks about the business world. She is well known for updates on trade.
Newspapers:
- The New York Times is the leading American newspaper and one of the largest in the world.
- The Washington Postis a very renowned newspaper that has a certain focus on US politics.
- The Wall Street Journalwhich focuses a lot on economics, but has some topics on other subjects, such as technology.
- The Guardian is one of the main newspapers in England, very recognized worldwide.
- the sun is a more sensational newspaper. It has general subjects, but the main focus is on celebrities.
- The Times it is also a very renowned newspaper in England and deals with all current affairs.
#2 – WATCH VIDEOS IN ENGLISH!
Watch something in English at least every weekend or on your day off. It could be a movie, a series, a documentary, a newspaper, but watch it! ALWAYS give preference to something you already like! A good option is to watch your favorite series or movies again. Watch as many times as you like as long as it is in English! Do not put subtitles in Portuguese. If you can't understand it just by listening, put the subtitles in English, but don't fix your attention on the subtitles, but on the audio. When you become familiar with the language and expressions used in the series, for example, at the end of each season, you will already have a good vocabulary.
#3 – DOWNLOAD APPS IN ENGLISH!
invest in apps to learn a new language. There are great interactive activity apps where you can participate in competitions and conversations with natives.
We'll mention some apps that are worth having on your phone, because it is a practical way to take English with you in your daily life. With these learning games, whatever time you have, on the street or at work, you can use it to always stay connected to the new language. Check out some application options to learn English by playing:
LanguageLeoM
Duolingo
Rosetta Stone
voxy
how to say
Speak English
All of them are available on the App Store (iOS, iPhone) and Google Play (Android).
#4 STUDY ENGLISH IN ENGLISH!
When you are studying English, speak, think, read and ask IN ENGLISH ONLY! Don't take Portuguese into your English language study, don't do it with your learning! do what you have to do in English! It's a mistake to think that, to learn English, you have to know the translations and that speaking in Portuguese helps, among other such ideas. It may be that, for some people, studying English by speaking in Portuguese helps their learning, but this doesn't is ideal, as it is convenient to always have the meaning of a certain expression on the tip of your tongue, for example. It is an addiction that later becomes irreversible. It's like watching a movie subtitled with Portuguese subtitles: you stick to the subtitle and lose all English content. So, when studying English, whether on a course or at home, always do everything in English!
#5 SPEAK ENGLISH!
You are not the only person in your family or in your circle of friends who wants to learn to speak English. So, get together with other people you know who have the same interest and arrange meetings to practice conversation. Talk about any topic, about things you like, start with the vocabulary you already know and then look for more words. By speaking, we unlock many barriers and learn much faster. Drop any obstacles that prevent you from pronouncing the new language. Shame, fear and insecurity should not be part of the life of those who want to learn English or any other language. It is necessary to take risks!
Don't give up, don't be discouraged! Follow the tips above and thenSoon, you'll see big changes and exciting results to continue to improve your English even more and, over time, start thinking about that language. Good studies!
By Janaína Mourão
Graduated in Letters - English
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/ingles/dicas-para-pensar-ingles.htm
