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Sixth week

 Hi folks!

A few lessons ago we talked about the idea that ‘language shapes thoughts. I have read some articles on this since then. I had noticed before that my voice changed strangely, especially when I was reading something in English out loud, but the changes in my thoughts or my approach to myself and my life were not so noticeable. I don't want to talk about what these changes are for now, because I want to focus on why these changes are happening.


I am not sure whether these changes are due to English itself or to the teaching method used. What I mean is that every textbook written for ESL students seems to be written by the same author, covers the same topics, and contains the same discussion patterns. I have been exposed to these patterns for about four years now, so it may be shaping my thoughts when using the English language.


Another reason for these changes could be that you are speaking English almost like a child and while speaking or writing you have to focus on many things like correct grammar, vocabulary etc. It is really difficult to keep track of your own thoughts that you actually want to say when you are dealing with the language itself. Then when you ‘lose your own thoughts’ you start using ideas or ‘patterns’ from textbooks, teachers, YouTube tutorials etc.


And there is also something more obvious that everyone knows: the fundamental differences between English and Turkish. The order of sentence parts in English is completely different from Turkish, which requires ordering each part of the sentence in reverse.


These are just the first ideas that came to my mind and they deserve further consideration. I will continue with this.

See you...

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