A recurring problem for my students, and a very frustrating one at that, is not being able to think in French. Because they always think in English or another language, they take longer to make their sentences, feel like they are not making progress, and sometimes make mistakes when copying structures.
This is a really frustrating problem because you can learn a language for years and still not be able to think in that language.
The secret is to practice really often, and if possible out loud. Here are some tips for thinking in French:
1. Talk to yourself
Comment on what you do, think out loud when you do the dishes, and force yourself to do it in French! By talking to yourself, there is no pressure, no one to hear or judge you, you can practice quietly.
2. Join a club or workshop
When you are with other people, you can take less time to think? Join a conversation club, a reading or writing club, thematic workshops (for example, if you love cooking, look for a French cooking club)… All these activities allow you to communicate in a natural and caring context. It is the habit that will make you think in French systematically, so you have to create opportunities to speak and get into this habit.
3. Expose yourself to the language
To succeed in thinking in French, it is also important to expose yourself to the language, that is to say to read, listen, watch... Choose content that interests you but also adapted to your objectives: if you want to speak street French and if you want to work in French, you will not necessarily use the same content!
4. Better 10 minutes every day than 4 hours once a week!
The key is regularity! You have to practice every day if possible. It is much better to do a few minutes every day rather than a long work session on the weekend for example. Your brain assimilates better when it is a habit, a practice repeated daily.
Remember, being able to think in French is a long process, so be patient with yourself 🙂
Regarding point 2, I propose two reading clubs (one focused on books and the other on conversation), find all the information by clicking below:
