Introdução
Aprender inglês é mesmo desafiador e, apesar de muita gente achar que “o problema sou eu”, a verdade é que existe toda uma lógica por trás dos desafios que enfrentamos. Nesta semana, vamos conversar sobre por que aprender inglês parece tão complicado, por que adultos aprendem de forma diferente das crianças e como funciona o processo de começar a pensar em inglês. Se você já se sentiu travado, frustrado ou inseguro, esse texto é para você!
📖 Aqui você encontra…
Why Learning English Feels So Hard (And Why That’s Totally Normal)
Why Learning English Feels Harder Than It Should
If you’ve ever sat in front of an English sentence thinking, “Why can’t I just get this right?”, you’re not alone. Learning a language is deeply tied to identity, confidence, and personal history. Adults struggle not because they’re “bad at languages,” but because they carry mental blocks, unrealistic expectations, and a fear of sounding silly.
Children learn freely. Adults analyze.
Children absorb. Adults compare.
Children try without overthinking. Adults hesitate because they want perfection on the first attempt.
This creates a natural mental tension. But none of this means you’re incapable, it means you’re human.
Understanding Acquisition vs. Learning
One of the biggest secrets to fluency is knowing the difference between acquiring a language and learning it.
- Learning is conscious: grammar rules, vocabulary lists, studying structure.
- Acquisition, however, is subconscious: the process by which your brain absorbs language naturally through repeated exposure, patterns, rhythm, emotion, and context.
Children mostly acquire languages. Adults, on the other hand, often rely too heavily on the “school mindset” of memorization. But adults can still acquire English — they just need the right conditions: consistent exposure, emotional connection, repetition, and meaningful context.
If you’ve ever learned phrases from a series, song, or meme without studying them… that was acquisition working for you.
Why Adults Learn Differently (and Why That’s Not a Bad Thing)
Adults bring something powerful to language learning: life experience.
They understand more abstract ideas, notice patterns, make connections, and reflect. These abilities allow adults to learn strategically and intentionally.
But adults also carry insecurities:
“Am I too old?”
“Everyone is learning faster than I am.”
“What if I sound ridiculous?”
These doubts block the natural flow of language acquisition. The key is not eliminating fear but learning to live with it — and practicing anyway. The advantage? Adults can use structured practice and natural acquisition at the same time. That’s something children can’t do.
How to Stop Translating and Start Thinking in English
Thinking in English isn’t magic — it’s a process of internalization. Your brain needs time, repetition, and patterns to switch languages without going through Portuguese.
Here’s what actually works:
1. Start with Micro-Thoughts
Instead of trying to think in whole sentences, start with simple units: “Water.” “Phone.” “Homework.” “I’m tired.” These tiny mental switches prepare your brain for bigger ones.
2. Rename Your World
Look around and mentally label objects in English. Even 30 seconds a day trains your brain to retrieve English automatically.
3. React in English Before Speaking Out Loud
When something happens — you drop your keys, you get hungry, you see the bus arriving — narrate it mentally in English. Internal narration is one of the fastest ways to build thinking fluency.
4. Listen to Things You Understand
The brain thinks in the language it hears the most. Exposure creates internalization — not effort alone.
5. Accept Imperfection
Thinking in English doesn’t mean thinking correctly. It means thinking naturally, even with mistakes. Fluency is a process of refining, not perfecting.
Why the Struggle Is Normal (And a Sign You’re Progressing)
Feeling stuck, confused, frustrated or slow is not evidence of failure. It’s evidence of your brain reorganizing itself. Every moment of doubt or confusion is your brain building new pathways.
Learning English is more than grammar or vocabulary — it’s an emotional journey. It demands courage, consistency, and an open mind.
And you’re already doing the hardest part: you’re trying.
Get to know Apollo!
Se você quer aprender inglês com leveza, estratégia e acolhimento — entendendo seu processo e respeitando o seu ritmo — venha estudar com a gente na Apollo Academy.
Entre em contato com a Apollo English Academy e comece hoje mesmo a destravar o inglês de forma natural!
