Switching between languages
08/13/18 Filed in: 勉強法
Learning English as a non-native can be quite challenging. Switching between languages can be confusing and difficult. How can one keep up with different languages while making sure they don’t stray from the basic rules of each?
For me, speaking in Dutch and English is natural. I easily switch from Dutch to English or English to Dutch without much thought—and now I sometimes even mix in some Japanese.
At home, I often catch myself thinking and speaking in 3 different languages. In fact, I very actively encourage myself to. I make myself constantly practice all my languages. For example, I will watch Japanese TV, do Dutch puzzle books, and read English novels.
I often turn on the TV and watch Japanese dramas, news, and talk shows to get used to the sounds and remember certain vocabulary or phrases. I used to watch English cartoons in English without subtitles for the same reason.
I like to do Dutch puzzle books to keep up with my Dutch. But I also do Swedish puzzles, because Dutch often adopts new expressions from Swedish.
Reading English novels is good, because unconsciously you both pick up and reinforce phrases and writing technique.
There are many, many ways to constantly use your languages and get used to switching between them. Even though you may be at home, you should take advantage of all the modern methods of digital communication to keep in close contact with your English-speaking friends. Digital pen-pals and following and even writing blogs can be great practice and fun, too.
Try to mix your languages equally during your day: have both English moments and Japanese moments. This can be done both out loud and in your mind. Try to think in a different language!
Try writing, too. For example, I always prepare a list when I go to the supermarket, and I now I write down the things I need in Japanese. This helps me to practice both writing and vocabulary.
If you stick to it, over time you will notice that switching between languages gradually becomes easier. Start with small steps, gradually advance, and try more and more challenging activities. Good luck!
For me, speaking in Dutch and English is natural. I easily switch from Dutch to English or English to Dutch without much thought—and now I sometimes even mix in some Japanese.
At home, I often catch myself thinking and speaking in 3 different languages. In fact, I very actively encourage myself to. I make myself constantly practice all my languages. For example, I will watch Japanese TV, do Dutch puzzle books, and read English novels.
I often turn on the TV and watch Japanese dramas, news, and talk shows to get used to the sounds and remember certain vocabulary or phrases. I used to watch English cartoons in English without subtitles for the same reason.
I like to do Dutch puzzle books to keep up with my Dutch. But I also do Swedish puzzles, because Dutch often adopts new expressions from Swedish.
Reading English novels is good, because unconsciously you both pick up and reinforce phrases and writing technique.
There are many, many ways to constantly use your languages and get used to switching between them. Even though you may be at home, you should take advantage of all the modern methods of digital communication to keep in close contact with your English-speaking friends. Digital pen-pals and following and even writing blogs can be great practice and fun, too.
Try to mix your languages equally during your day: have both English moments and Japanese moments. This can be done both out loud and in your mind. Try to think in a different language!
Try writing, too. For example, I always prepare a list when I go to the supermarket, and I now I write down the things I need in Japanese. This helps me to practice both writing and vocabulary.
If you stick to it, over time you will notice that switching between languages gradually becomes easier. Start with small steps, gradually advance, and try more and more challenging activities. Good luck!
Cynthia