Building a Second Brain for Language Learning - How to Stop Translating in Your Head

In this video, I’m sharing 6 powerful techniques to help you build a second brain in a foreign language. By the end, you’ll be more confident in your ability to stop translating in your head.

We’ll dive into the concept of a second brain, a system to organize and manage the vast amounts of language information you need to learn. From using Anki for spaced repetition to immersing yourself in the language, these strategies will help you think directly in your target language without relying on translations.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction
0:39 - What is a Second Brain?
2:22 - Second Brain Tools for Language Learning
3:18 - The Benefits of Anki as a Second Brain Tool
4:26 - Tip 1: Increase Vocabulary
7:18 - Tip 2: Use Pictures
10:06 - Tip 3: Monolingual Definitions
12:01 - Tip 4: Learn Through Sentences
12:52 - Tip 5: Immerse Yourself
13:51 - Tip 6: Practice Thinking Directly in the Language

LANGUAGE LEARNING RESOURCES:

WHO AM I:
My name's Matthew, and I want to help you with how to learn languages effectively on your own.

I'm a language enthusiast and Anki ed-tech expert. I used to work for Fluent Forever and was mentored by American polyglot and best-selling author Gabriel Wyner.

Since branching out on my own, I realized that I just love learning languages. So, after helping thousands of learners already, I want to share some tools and tips to help you get fluent in another language, too. When you are productive and successful with language learning, then I believe you can enrich your work, relationships and personal life.

4 MORE WAYS I CAN HELP YOU:
Whenever you're ready, there are 4 more ways I can help you:

Learn pronunciation effectively. We’ve broken down our done-for-you Anki flashcards into 3 categories: alphabet, IPA and minimal pairs.

Learn words in a foreign language faster and smarter. We’ve broken down our done-for-you Anki flashcards into 3 categories: 500 picture words, top 2000 words and common phrases.

Learn grammar in a foreign language efficiently. We’ve broken down our done-for-you Anki flashcards into CEFR categories: A0 to C1.

Join our exciting language learning courses at Speakada! Choose from 3 course options designed for different learning needs: practicing speaking fluently on your own, memorizing vocabulary effectively, and a comprehensive plan to go from beginner to fluent.

[MatthewAlberto]

I write about how to learn a language effectively on your own every week in my language learning newsletter.
4, 000+ read it weekly.

[NickKas-hj]

I am using these methods, already since 40 years and am working on my 9th language, which is Japanese right now. The main Point is to create an imaginary room for every language, through the most common words and verbs, to start with, so you may grant sentences, and then every time get in that room, think in that language and look for the needed words into it. Forget about your mother tongue completely…That’s my experience outcome.. good luck to you all…😊

[oscareduardovarelaalvarez]

It's spectacular how you can to learn English or other languages, I would like to tell you, that only since 4 months I can't understand and think in English and I have been applying some strategies, Today I can understand a little bit of English and I have been improving my skills: speaking, listening and writing. You are winning new following, I am one.

[adsalexandredesouza]

hello, i like very much this video, i'm learning english and was very easy to understand, great job, congratulations, continue with this great work.

[kawaiikowai]

Great video, I like the picture vocabulary method! ❤

[TheMirofsky]

This sounds great, but Matthew I have one question. Which method do you use to help your brain to switch language? I mean, when I think in my native language and someone come to me and talk english, it is takes a while when my brain has going over to think in english. Have a good day Matthew.

[houseman]

Repetition is the Mother of all learning.

[patfromamboy]

I’ve been studying Portuguese for almost 10 years now and I’ve visited Brasil 18 times but I still can’t read or converse and I have to translate everything into English to understand what people are saying. I practice every day with my girlfriend who only speaks Portuguese but after practicing for 6.5 years I still can’t understand her. She has to speak slowly so I have time to translate every word. I need to find a way to learn. I don’t think in any language so I don’t understand when people tell me to think in Portuguese.

[Junniorcardenas-dukz]

Hola llevo dos meses de estar aprendiendo nuevas palabras y traducirlas al español luego al siguiente día al inglés y así creo que las recuerdo mejor y claro usando imput a diario, pues creo que de tu enseñanza al menos súpe un 40% de lo que dijiste siento que voy por buen camino, verdad o que otro consejo me darías?

[krystanicoleeee]

By the way, Quizlet is no longer free ! It is crazy !

[ArtemHahauz-nmbk]

Translation kills one's language learning, as for me.
Thank you!
Regards from Ukraine!