How come when I learn a new english word, I could here it and immediately understand what it means. But when I hear a word in a different language that I’m learning, like Japanese, I have to translate the word in my head instead of just understanding the meaning. Even with spanish, which I’ve grown up speaking, I have trouble keeping up with things since I translate a bit in my head. Also how do i stop head translating?
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When learning something new, your brain is building neuron pathways that become stronger with use. When learning a first language, these pathways will be built between the word itself and the concept of the word. The issue with second languages is that they are usually taught through reference to the first language. Manzana in Spanish is linked to the word apple in English, not the concept of an apple (or the other way around in your case). This is where the extra step of translation comes from. With enough use of a word you will be able to hear and speak it without translating in your head as the word and the concept become more linked.
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