What Does Thinking in English Actually Mean? (Conversation Club)

This week the ‘Thinking in English’ Community is talking about thinking in English.

Most people think in their native language, and when they learn a new language they have to either overcome the gap between the two languages or change how they think.

Some people, however, don’t have an internal monologue and so don’t think in any language. How do you think in a second language when you don’t think in your first?

Here are 10 conversation questions to get you talking about thinking in English!

The Thinking in English Conversation Club takes place every TUESDAY and THURSDAY at 12pm, 6pm, and 9pm UK time!

You can find more details on how to participate on Patreon and Discord!

Conversation Questions: What Does Thinking in English Actually Mean?

1. Describe the way that you think. Do you think in your native language, or without language?

2. Can you think in English? Is it helpful? If you can’t would you like to?

3. What are the advantages of thinking in your target language?

4. What are the difficulties when it comes to thinking in a second language?

5. Does our language affect the way we think and feel?

6. Do you think everyone should try to think in their target language?

7. Do you always have time to think during a conversation, or use your instincts?

8. What strategies can help someone who wants to think in English?

9. How closely are language and thinking linked?

10. “The limits of my language means the limits of my world.”

– Ludwig Wittgenstein

What do you think of this quote?

Vocabulary List:

• Describe
  • to say or write what someone or something is like
• Instinct 
  • the way people or animals naturally react or behave, without having to think or learn about it
• Strategy
  • a long-range plan for achieving something or reaching a goal, or the skill of making such plans
• Link
  • to make a connection between two or more people, things, or ideas
• Limit
  • the greatest amount, number, or level of something that is either possible or allowed

Model Answers:

B1 (Intermediate) Model Answers

Vocabulary:

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B2 (Upper Intermediate) Model Answers

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C1 (Advanced Level) Model Answers

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See you all at this week’s conversation club!

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