Comment by benj111

But you still need to know the language specific constructs.

I can't magically speak German because I know a load of abstract language theory.

And this can work the opposite way. If I know small talk, and then read that C++ can do OO code, I could then think about writing X in C++ and OO being the best model. But I then hit problems when the limitations of OO in C++ become apparent.

In my experience, programming in a language is finding what works in that language, not trying to make the language fit what is in your head.