In the first part of his memoirs, Amkoullel, the Fula Child, Malian writer Amadou Hampâté Bâ (1900/1901–1991) recounts his childhood during French colonization. When he was sent to a French school, he first had to learn the language. His teacher used a systematic method, requiring students to continually describe their actions in French, which quickly helped the young Hampâté Bâ gain fluency.

Today, many language learners face a similar challenge: after patiently learning the basics, they freeze when it’s time to speak. Even simple tasks like introducing themselves or asking for directions can feel impossible. One powerful way to overcome this fear is by journaling in your target language instead of your native tongue. By doing so, you’re forced to think and express your thoughts in the language you’re learning.

At first, you’ll need to look up words online, but over time, your sentences will become more complex and your descriptions more nuanced—just as you would write in your mother language. Gradually, it becomes easier to speak naturally in your foreign language as your brain becomes accustomed to thinking directly in it. No more mental searching for words; your thoughts will flow in the new language with growing confidence.