A common mistake adult language learners do, is to translate from their native language to the target language, the language that they are studying and trying to learn. This approach can only be accepted for simple words, at beginners level, like nouns or verbs but when the student starts learning more complex sentences grammatically, translation does not work, and in fact it can limit or even block progress!
So, here are 8 ways to start using immediately to avoid translating in your head and instead start using Greek when speaking or writing!
- First, Identify objects around you, in your room, your house or your office in your target language – Greek. Then put post-it notes on them with the name of the word written in Greek. This way whenever you see these objects you immediately see also the word in Greek and eventually it will become automatic to you to combine the word in Greek with the object! Bingo! Mission accomplished!
- Listen to phrases that native speakers say, take notes, repeat them and use them in the same comunicative situations.
- Watch tv and movies in your target language (Greek) without subtitles (advanced learners) or with subtitles (beginners level) but only in Greek.
- Try not to use the dictionary when talking to natives whenever you don’t know a word. Instead learn how to ask in Greek for a an unknown word or try to describe it using your own words.
- Study with materials that don’t provide translation
- Learn vocabulary in context
- Do your daily activities in your target language. So for example if you have to go shopping make your shopping list in Greek.
- Use a learners dictionary that provides the explanation of the word in simplified Greek rather than the translation of the word in your native language.