Many people are afraid when they have to learn new vocabulary because they assume this action can only be done using repetition. Fortunately, that's not the case. If you're looking to learn a new language or hone a language skill you already have, there are lots of ways you can really digest and go beyond just memorizing new words. Take advantage of these methods and practice often!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Create an Association
Step 1. Make word associations
Whether you are learning vocabulary in your native language or in a foreign language, associations can help you memorize new words. Absurd, real, or ridiculous associations can help you remember new vocabulary.
- If you are learning a new language, associate new words with words in your native language. If a word is similar to a word in your language, create an image in your mind that relates the two. For example, the French word "vin", which means wine, is similar to the English word "van" which means van. So you can associate the word "vin" with a van full of wine so you can remember it.
- Word associations are also very helpful if you are learning a new word in your own language. For example, the beginning of the word "curtail", which means to cut short in English, is similar to the beginning of the word "curtain" which means curtain. So you can imagine the curtains being cut too short to remember the word "curtail."
- When creating word associations, make sure you picture them so clearly and do it many times a day so that the association is embedded in your memory.
Step 2. Use a mnemonic or something that can help you memorize
Mnemonics are a variation of the "look-alike word association" technique and use patterns to help you remember.
- For example, the word "abrogate," which in English means to deny or cancel, can be broken down into the shadow combinations of the letters that make up the word. You could break "abrogate" into "a"+"bro"+"gate" and then imagine a bro (short for "brother", which means brother but is often used to refer to men in general) standing behind your "gate" or fence while you "deny" or refuse his arrival.
- Like word association, mnemonic techniques are most effective when used to connect new concepts with concepts you already know.
Step 3. Try to be as creative as possible
It's usually easier to remember unusual or strange things than the usual, so try to be creative in making associations.
For example, the term "banal" in English means "boring or commonplace." So, to keep you in mind the meaning, you can imagine a "banana peel" or banana peeler (because the beginning of the word "banal" is similar to the beginning of the word "banana") floating in a canal (because the word "kanal" rhymes with " banal) The banana peeler floating in the canal is striking enough to remember, but it also represents the word "banal" because it reminds you of something "boring or uninteresting."
Part 2 of 3: Create an Interactive Learning Environment
Step 1. Put new words into your environment
Stick some sticky notes or hang a large blank paper where you are often like the bathroom or kitchen. Write new words there with their meanings every time you see them. Thus, you will see it often.
- Write down the definition of the word if you have trouble remembering it.
- You can also make a small picture that depicts the meaning of the word next to the word so that the association of the two is embedded in your mind.
- For words in foreign languages, try writing down words for everyday items like "glass" and "table" on a sticky note. Glue the paper to the items that refer to the word so as to strengthen the association between the thing and the word you have in mind.
Step 2. Make these new words a part of your life
Writing new words into sentences that are relevant to your life can help make strong and relevant associations.
For example, if you want to learn to use the word "azure" which is the English term for the color deep blue, write the word into a few sentences that relate to your current situation or environment: "My new shampoo bottle is azure" or "sky." this summer it's really azure."
Step 3. Turn the learning process into a game
If you find the process of learning vocabulary very enjoyable, you will do it more and more often.
- There are several games to learn vocabulary that can be accessed online (online). If you want to know some apps to learn vocabulary for your tablet or smartphone, visit this link. For a list of games accessible on a computer, visit this link. To read reviews of some of the software options for learning vocabulary, visit this link.
- If you prefer games that can be played offline, visit EdHelper's Board Game Generator or this word bingo creator.
Step 4. Take visual notes
This technique is especially helpful if you are the type of person who is easier to learn visually.
- Record new words and their definitions in a book. Fill this book as often as possible so that you can imprint it in your memory.
- Create several stories using your new words. You can create a story that is a narrative by entering words you just learned, or you can challenge yourself to write a story using only your new words.
- Draw pictures that illustrate the meaning of your new words to accompany the definitions. Create a visual storyboard if you enjoy expressing yourself artistically.
Part 3 of 3: Practice Your Technique
Step 1. Find the method that works best for you
Maybe you should try a few different study techniques before finding the best one for yourself.
Step 2. Practice with flashcards or cards
This technique has been around for a long time and is a simple but powerful technique to practice your vocabulary.
- Write each word you learn on the front of a small card or piece of paper, then write its meaning on the back.
- Read these flashcards or cards several times a day and try to remember the definition of each word before checking it on the back of the card.
- There are various applications for flashcards available for tablets and smartphones so you can access them more easily and anywhere. Visit this link for a list of apps for Android or this link for a list of apps for Apple.
Step 3. Fill your days with new words
Read the text in the language you want to learn. Reading text and looking for new words and then writing them down is a great way to increase your vocabulary and practice it.
- If you are trying to increase your English vocabulary, for example at the university level, try reading journal articles, "The New Yorker," "The New York Times," and so on.
- If you are trying to learn a new language, read articles that are at a level that corresponds to your current level. So if you're just starting out, read a book for young children so you can learn basic words. If you've reached intermediate level, read books for teens, and so on.
- Reading books you've already read in your native language that has been translated into the language you want to learn can be a fun and effective way to increase your vocabulary and practice your language skills.
Step 4. Test yourself
If you regularly give yourself a vocabulary test, it will help you learn words that are challenging to you.
Some sites offer online vocabulary tests to hone your skills. There are sites like this that allow you to choose the level, how long the test you want to take, and the vocabulary category. There are also sites like this one that allow you to create a custom test for yourself using a custom list of words you provide
Step 5. Use new words as often as possible
Use new vocabulary in everyday conversation, in your writing, and at every opportunity.
The more you use new words, the more you will understand and remember them
Tips
- Know your limits. Limit yourself to a maximum of 10 words per day; 3-4 words is the optimal number in the learning process.
- Pay attention to the prefix and suffix. If you have studied these components, it will help you to remember and even infer the meaning of other words that use the same prefix and/or suffix.
- Learn phrases instead of single words. If you're learning a new language, learning new phrases is a great way to not only familiarize yourself with common arrangements, but also to remember useful everyday phrases. That way, if you want to say something, you already have a collection of frequently used phrases instead of just words.
- Repetition is important. When you are repeatedly exposed to new words, whether through paper taped all over your house or tests you regularly take, the easier it will be for you to learn them.
