How to Think in a Foreign Language

When you are learning a language your goal is to become fluent. The average study routine includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These are controlled activities because you are using study materials that teach you structured vocabulary and grammar. But if you want to get closer to fluency, you need to think in a foreign language.

Before we go any further, this post isn't click-bait or one trick to magically think in a language. We all know that learning a language is mentally challenging, but that's why we love it so much. Being able to think in another language is the ultimate skill. that gets you closer to fluency.

Without further ado, we'll give you some tips on how to think in a foreign language.

Where Do I Begin?

There are two ways that you can go about it. The first is context-based learning, where you mentally create a learning environment. Maybe you're looking at the menu at a Mexican restaurant. Use that opportunity to describe your favorite dish in Spanish.

The other way is to make a conscious effort (conditioning) to think in that language. In a way, it's forcing you to use the language daily, but it makes a difference.

#1 Talk to Yourself

It may seem a bit weird but stay with us. Talking to yourself is good practice to start when you want to think in a foreign language. You can easily narrate your day because even the most mundane tasks count. In the beginning, don't worry about accuracy so much. Let the thoughts flow even if they aren't grammatically correct.

#2 Journaling

This practice knocks out two birds with one stone. You are practicing one of the four main skills while gaining a new one. If you aren't good at expressing yourself out loud, grab a pen and paper. Journaling takes your thoughts and puts them on paper. Therefore this a great exercise to put your internal thoughts into another language.

#3 Create a Language Bubble

Creating a language bubble is a fancy way of saying immerse yourself. You are likely living in a place where the language you're learning isn't dominant. Create an environment where you can use your brain wisely. Change the language of your social media apps and the news that you read. You can also watch TV shows and movies in the target language. You will be surprised at how much this can help you.

The Road to Fluency

How do you know when you've become fluent in the language? It's not when you get an A on the exam.

The moment of fluency is when you start thinking in that language or even dreaming in it! I know it's hard to form your innermost thoughts in another language because your brain has to work twice as hard. Being able to think in another language matters. But why is that?

When you think in a foreign language, it means that your confidence is growing, releasing your inhibitions. You won't hold yourself back just because you are afraid of making a mistake.