Improving Your English through Translation and Other Strategies

Many of us, especially non-native English speakers, find ourselves in a situation where we need to translate new words and phrases into our native language to understand them. Is this a bad practice? Not at all. In fact, it can be an extremely valuable tool in the learning process.

Understanding New Words Through Translation

When learning a new language, translation is a natural and useful process. Translating individual words can help you grasp their meanings more effectively. However, it's important to note that translating entire sentences can sometimes be misleading or inefficient. You should focus on learning one word at a time. Once you feel confident with a certain number of words, consider using English-English dictionaries such as Cambridge or Oxford. These dictionaries provide more accurate meanings than translations, and you can access them for free online.

Remember, the goal of learning a new language is not just to memorize words, but to understand and communicate effectively. By focusing on individual words and using reputable resources, you'll build a solid foundation in the language.

Practical Examples and Translation Habits

Many language professionals, like myself, have developed translation habits that can benefit your learning journey. For instance, when translating, it's important to acknowledge that people who become professional translators often translate involuntarily, turning any statement or word they hear into their target language. This habit can be a positive one, as it reinforces the language's structure and vocabulary in your mind.

During my time as a translator in Romania, I eventually became so accustomed to translating that even a preacher's sermon would be analyzed in my head. This involuntary translation helped me remember and internalize the language, without the need to forget anything I had spent so much time on. Now, I regularly write bilingual blogs in Romanian and English, as well as in Spanish and English, and even blog about Japanese and Korean in English. If you're interested in my blog, you can find it on I am an American living in Korea, and many of my blogs are in English, with some potentially of interest to those looking for translations.

Contributing to Language Enrichment

Translation isn't just about understanding new languages; it can also enrich your own language. Many loan words in English have been adopted from other languages, often because the borrowed words express an idea more effectively or beautifully. For instance, 'thug' originally comes from Hindi, 'zeitgeist' from German, and 'glasnost' and 'detent' from Russian. By incorporating your native language's words into English phrases, you can contribute to the richness of the English language.

In conclusion, translating new words and phrases into your native language is a perfectly valid and useful practice in language learning. Embrace it, and as you progress, remember to consult reliable English-English dictionaries and use bilingual resources to enhance your understanding and fluency. Happy learning!