When it comes to language learning, one of the longstanding debates is how much you should rely on your L1 (native language). What I read most commonly goes along the lines of:

“Do not think in your native language.”

It’s one of those dogmas that seems to have been adopted by every language opinionologist out there.

However, I feel it’s not that simple.

I mean, I know why it’s being said, but that cuts off the good things about thinking in your native language.

What good things?

Well, I always point to the fact that when you learn a foreign language, what you are actually doing is creating a new version of yourself as a speaker of such language.

Why would you start all over again when there’s a lot you can import from that default configuration in your brain?

Let’s see:

#1 Faster progress

Firstly, leveraging your native language can speed up the learning process. By drawing parallels between your L1 and the target language, you can grasp new concepts more quickly. For instance, understanding grammatical structures or vocabulary similarities can provide a reference point.

In many cases, the defensive reaction is ‘I don’t understand how my L1 works’. But that’s a lazy answer. If you want to stand up for the challenge, you need to activate your ability to compare and contrast both languages.

This doesn’t mean you need to become a grammar expert overnight; rather, it means being curious and attentive to patterns and differences..

#2 Deeper comprehension

Secondly, using your native language can enhance comprehension. When encountering complex ideas or abstract concepts in the target language, translating them into your L1 can clarify their meanings. This is particularly useful in advanced language learning, where nuanced understanding is crucial.

#3 A more authentic you

Thirdly, retaining a connection to your L1 can make learning less artificial, less robotic. Like I said at the beginning, if you are creating a new version of yourself in the target language, why would you want to sound like a cyborg, mechanically performing without genuine expression? Language is not just a set of rules and vocabulary; it’s a means of expressing your personality, emotions, and thoughts.

If you allow yourself to think in your native language, you can alleviate some of that pressure. This approach can boost your confidence and encourage a more natural use of the target language.

This takes us to the pitfalls we want to avoid:

Avoiding the Pitfalls: The Dangers of Literal Translation

It’s important to note, however, that translating word by word from your native language to the target language can be problematic. Literal translations often lead to awkward or incorrect sentences, as languages rarely align perfectly in structure and idiom.

For example, the English phrase “It’s raining cats and dogs” translates awkwardly if taken literally into another language. Each language has its unique expressions and cultural context, so understanding these nuances is key.

Your own Cheatsheet

Instead of word-for-word translation, I recommend creating mental cheat sheets. This involves noting down phrases or expressions you commonly use in your L1 and finding their natural equivalents in the target language. Over time, this practice helps you think in the target language while still leveraging the familiar framework of your native tongue.

For example, if you frequently use the phrase “I need to catch up on work” in English, find its natural equivalent in Spanish. Rather than translating each word, learn the expression as a whole: “Necesito ponerme al día con las cosas del laburo.”

In conclusion, don’t fall in the trap of blacks or whites. The advice to avoid thinking in your native language has merit, but it’s not an absolute rule.

Would love to hear your thoughts on this!

And, by the way, thanks for taking the time to read the whole thing. I would like to offer you Spreadsheet I use with my students where I tried to show it works: Click here to make a copy

Happy Spanish learning,

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