How do you frame an English notbook entry ? I read in texts on italki that learners write the text in their mother-tongue and then translate it in the language they learn. I cannot understand how they are able to manage this. If I do so, I need at least three times longer as if I do it my way. I know it, as I have tried it. I have thought it was easier this way, but I was wrong. If I speak or write in English I think English. I don't frame the idea in German and translate it into English. If I do so my thoughts tangle. My German brain is separated from my English brain (the English brain is deficient, but it exists). Only words, not structures, are able to pass the border, if I can't find the right word fast enough (z. B. my thoughts verknäulen). I make translations into English by writing down or memorizing key-points, now frame the text and at last elaborate the sentences. I hope I could have made myself clear. Even in translations into German I'm struggling. I follow the same steps, but much faster. I made a private poll. It seems to be roughly one-third doing it my way and the rest is doing it the other way.

First notebook entry Long ago I spoke and wrote in English on a regular basis at work. After nearly 10 years I have been struggling to relearn English. I want to stop making a fool of myself everytime someone asks me a very simple question. I'm avoiding conversations, especially on the phone. This can't go on any longer. At least I've found italki and today I start writing in my notebook.