Learning a new language is a fun and exciting journey, but it can also be a bit challenging at times. As a multilingual team, we understand the importance of techniques that make language learning enjoyable and effective. One of our favorite techniques? Thinking in the language you're learning!

Now, you might think, " Thinking in another language? That sounds tough! " But it’s easier than it seems, and it can actually be a lot of fun.

Why it matters

When you think in the language you're learning, you're actively immersing yourself. This bridges the gap between your thoughts and spoken words, accelerating your learning. It also helps you build a deeper connection to the language and culture, making your progress feel more natural.

How you can start thinking in Lao

Here are 10 practical ways to get started:

1. 🏡 Label things around your house

This is a fun and creative way to learn new vocabulary and practice thinking in Lao in your everyday life. For example, you could label your fridge, TV, or sofa in Lao. Every time you see these labels, try to think of the Lao word instead of the English one. This will help reinforce your memory and improve your ability to recall vocabulary in real-life situations.

2. 🗣️ Talk to yourself

Don't worry, we won't judge you! Talking to yourself in Lao throughout the day is a great way to build your confidence and internalize the language. Whether you're narrating your day, practicing your pronunciation, or reading Lao affirmations, this is a fun and effective way to think in Lao. You can even imagine having conversations with native speakers in your mind and try to respond in Lao. It's like having your own personal language practice session.

3. 💭 Think aloud

Whenever you're performing routine tasks like cooking, cleaning, or getting dressed, try narrating your actions out loud in Lao. Describe what you're doing step by step and use the vocabulary and sentence structures you've learned. This practice not only helps you think in Lao but also improves your fluency and pronunciation. If you want to learn more action verbs to use at home, we recommend you check out our My Daily Routine in Lao e-book with audio included to help with the pronunciation.

4. 🎶 Listen to music and podcasts

Immersing yourself in the language is key to thinking in Lao. Listening to Lao music and podcasts is a fun and enjoyable way to practice, and it can help you get used to the rhythm and flow of the language. Pay attention to the lyrics or dialogue and try to understand as much as you can. You can also sing along to Lao songs, even if you don't know all the words yet. This will train your ears and help you internalize the language patterns.

5. 📝 Write a journal

Writing in Lao is a great way to practice expressing yourself in the language and internalize the grammar rules. Whether you're keeping a journal or writing short stories, this is a fun and creative way to think in Lao. Start with simple sentences and gradually challenge yourself to write longer and more complex texts. Don't worry about making mistakes; it's all part of the learning process. You can always ask a native speaker or Lao teacher to review your writing and provide feedback.

6. 🔖 Create a flashcard

Make flashcards with Lao words or phrases on one side and their translations on the other. Review these flashcards regularly and challenge yourself to think of the Lao word before flipping the card. You can carry them with you and use them during short breaks or downtime throughout the day. You can write them physically or make them online using Anki or Quizlet.

7. 👥 Practice with natives

Whether it's a Lao-speaking friend or family member or enrolling in a Conversational Lao Class, engaging in conversations with natives exposes you to natural speech patterns and deepens your understanding of the language. As a Lao teacher, I'm always here to provide personalized feedback that focus on improving my students conversational skills, building their confidence, and helping them think in Lao more comfortably.

8. 🌐 Join a Lao Community

Look for local or online Lao Community where learners and natives come together to discuss in Lao. Engaging in discussions and sharing your thoughts in Lao within these communities not only improves your language skills but also encourages you to think in Lao regularly.

9. ＠ Follow social media accounts

Search for Lao influencers, news outlets, or organizations on social media platforms. Follow their accounts and engage with their content. This exposes you to Lao language usage in a modern context, allowing you to observe how natives express themselves and think in Lao online. Don’t hesitate to follow @laoenglishschool to learn daily vocabulary and expressions.

10. 📖 Use a dictionary

Using a Lao dictionary can help you look up new words and expressions as you think in Lao. This way, you can expand your vocabulary and learn new ways to express yourself. Whenever you come across a word you don't know or can't remember, take a moment to look it up. Make a note of the word and try to use it in a sentence to reinforce your understanding. Over time, your vocabulary will grow, and you'll feel more confident in your Lao thinking skills.

The goal is to make learning enjoyable

So go ahead, give thinking in Lao a try! Of course, like any skill, thinking in the language requires practice and patience. Initially, it may feel challenging to shift your thinking process. You might stumble upon unknown words or struggle with constructing complex sentences. But remember, these hurdles are stepping stones to progress.

...and who knows, you might just surprise yourself with how quickly you pick up the language.

Join our private community for Lao learners

If you’re looking for a safe space to practice your Lao and get all your questions answered in a judgment-free zone, this community was built for you. Join our Lao Community to explore a growing collection of tools, content, and recommendations to support your Lao journey.