Pavel
Please, give me an advice. I can't associate English words. My mind doesn't recognize them. It's obviously to me, especially when I'm listening to audiobooks. I want to perceive English words like in my native language, but I can't do it. I understand words without translation, but I can't associate them. If I talk with someone for a long time along I begin to think in English quickly, but every morning when I wake up I forget almost everything. It takes some time to begin thinking better. What should I do in this case?
Feb 15, 2017 12:58 PM
Answers · 5
Hello Cara! Thanks for your answer. I'll try to explain what I meant. For example when I listen to an audiobook I understand words, sentences, but... Sometimes I lose the way. I listen one sensence after another again and again and eventually I can't imagine a picture of a story and I begin trying to translate the story to my native language. Also thare are many words which I still can't understand without translation. I don't know, it's difficult to explain.
February 15, 2017
Correction: "Please give me advice" or 'some advice'
February 15, 2017
Hi. I'm also trying to understand what you mean by "associate the words". You're saying you don't translate the words into your own language when you hear them - that's great. You're saving time and energy by not translating them. But when you say you don't associate them - does that mean you're unsure of the meaning of the words you're hearing? At the same time you talk about perceiving them like you do in your own language - does that mean you're having trouble catching them? Using an audiobook is a great idea, because if you have the original text, you can follow the words on the page as you listen and you'll know if your listening problem is to do with an unknown word or a misheard word. But we need to know exactly what you mean.
February 15, 2017
Hi Pavel, I´m not sure if I understood what your problem is. I think that you must persevere, though. Language learning is never easy and it never goes smoothly. It depends of a lot of try and error, repetition and massive exposure to the language. I am learning French right now and I am facing a lot of trouble in doing so, despite the fact that my native language (Portuguese) is also a Latin language. I keep forgetting obvious words, committing mistakes and sometimes it seems that I will never be capable of understand native speakers talking. However, I know for a fact that it will eventually get better and while this does not become true I just keep going and try to have a good time. If I were you, I would just try to adjust my expectations about the learning process to a more realistic level, don't be too hard to myself, persevere and, most importantly, I would try to strength my personal bond to the language (in other words, I would try to LOVE the language and things that are related to it), so I can have a good time while learning. Keep in mind that forgetting words and committing mistakes are normal. It happens to everyone. If that were not happening to you, then you should be concerned. Hope this helps you. Good luck!
February 15, 2017
Just be patient and perseverant, as you said yourself, when you talk in English for some time, your mind kind of switches to a different mode of thinking. The more practice you have, the easier it'll get, I promise :) Just don't get discouraged and keep at it) Can you please specify what exactly you mean by "I can't associate English words"? Associate with what?
February 15, 2017
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