Evan Gardner, creator of Where Are Your Keys (WAYK), discusses WAYK’s philosophy regarding immersion bubbles and translation. Evan introduces TQ: Stopwatch. If you want to get the benefits of exercise, you actually have to get on the treadmill, rather than discussing the treadmill. Similarly, in order to build the strength of your fluency, you need to use the language, not talk about it in English. WAYK Techniques are designed to minimize the need for translation and help maintain immersion. When many adults begin to learn a second language their first language “brain” (for many of us, our “English brain”) is very strong and wants to “help” with the learning process by translating and providing confirmation. However, if a person is using their “English Brain” to translate the language they’re learning, then they’re not really “working out” in the new language and not building strength or fluency. Evan talks about the circumstances under which translation can be helpful but also provides information about what TQs to use to avoid translation for as long as possible.
For more WAYK Techniques, be sure to check out our Techniques Glossary: whereareyourkeys.org/technique-glossary/
This series of videos was produced for Where Are Your Keys by Sky Hopinka in 2015.
Music by Amy Ogmundson & Sky Hopinka.
