1. Read English definitions for new words (excluding complex technical terms)

Instead of using English-Vietnamese dictionaries, switch to English-English dictionaries such as Dictionary, Oxford, or Cambridge. Alternatively, use the following Google search syntax: [word to look up] + meaning, or leverage Google's AI or ChatGPT.

Reading definitions in English trains your mind to think in the language itself. Both dictionaries and AI provide clear examples.

For instance, once you are accustomed to English definitions, you will no longer think of "upset" as "that vong, buc boi, buon phien"; instead, you will associate it with meanings similar to "disappointed" or "unhappy".

2. Simplify your thoughts – find alternative expressions

To break the ingrained habit of translation, you must learn to express the meaning of a word in multiple ways.

For example, if you want to describe a "kich tinh" (dramatic/intense) movie but lack the exact word, use your existing vocabulary. Instead of asking, "How do I say 'kich tinh' in English?", simply think, "How can I explain this with the words I already know?"

For instance: The movie made me feel very nervous. I kept wondering what would happen next.

Or, simply use "exciting" or "interesting" if possible: The movie was really exciting/interesting.

Oxford dictionary. Photo: AAP

3. Learn phrases, not individual words

For instance, consider the sentence: I feel guilty about lying to my brother. Instead of learning "guilty" (toi loi) as a standalone word, learn the entire phrase "to feel guilty about something/doing something" (cam thay ay nay/co loi) and practice using it in sentences.

This approach helps you think in phrases rather than individual words when speaking, preventing mental translation.

4. Speak under time pressure

If you have 5 minutes to talk about your job, you might hesitate, speaking and thinking simultaneously.

However, if you must concisely explain your livelihood in exactly 45 seconds, imagining it as an exam, your brain will become much more agile. You will no longer have time to think in Vietnamese.

5. Practice thinking in English (listening/reading in English)

This solution is practical and direct. Immersing yourself in English is the quickest way to permanently cure the "translation habit".

For example, switch from watching Facebook reels/Youtube shorts in Vietnamese to English. Ask ChatGPT questions in English instead of Vietnamese.

Practicing listening and reading in English trains your brain to think more in English.

Moon Nguyen