12 Survival Phrases That Stop Students Switching to Their Native Language

Many teachers tell me the same thing:

“I understand the idea of teaching fully in English…
but my students keep switching to their native language.”

And they’re right — this is one of the hardest parts of an English-only classroom.

In this video, I explain why students actually switch languages and why it’s not about motivation, discipline, or effort. Students usually switch because they get stuck — they don’t understand, they didn’t hear, or they don’t know what to do. When that happens, their brain reaches for the fastest, safest option: their native language

That’s where survival phrases come in.

In this lesson, I share:
·What survival phrases really are (and why they matter)
·Why telling students “English only” never works on its own
·The 12 simple survival phrases I teach early with beginners and young learners
·How these phrases help students stay in English even when they’re confused
·How to teach survival phrases without translating, explaining, or testing
·Common mistakes teachers make (and what not to correct)
·How survival language changes the classroom atmosphere long-term

These phrases are not about perfect speaking or full sentences.
They are about safety, clarity, and confidence — especially at the beginning.

If students can say:
“I don’t understand.”
“Help, please.”
“Again, please.”
they no longer need to escape into their native language.

This video is especially helpful for:
·ESL / EFL teachers
·Teachers working with beginners or young learners
·Anyone trying to teach more in English without chaos
·Teachers who want calmer lessons and fewer interruptions

At the end of the video, I also answer practical questions teachers ask all the time:
·When to introduce survival phrases
·Whether to put them on the wall
·How many to teach at once
·What to do with students who know zero English

If your students keep switching languages, don’t fight them — support them.
Survival language is often the missing piece.

Let me know in the comments:
Which survival phrase would make the biggest difference in your classroom?

And if you want more real, classroom-tested strategies for teaching in English — calmly, clearly, and without pressure — subscribe to Effective English Teacher.

Happy teaching 💛