Learning a new language is fun, but the amount of memorization it requires can be overwhelming or just plain frustrating. Although memorization is necessary, there is a way to remember vocabulary in a fun way.
Cramming never works. Traditional language learning methods emphasized drill memorization. However, this strategy is harmful to language learning. Without the results, students lose their motivation. Many language learners have fallen victim to rote memorization techniques in the past. There are much better language learning methods today that are scientifically proven.
To avoid boring and tedious techniques, try spicing up your vocabulary exercises with these easy tricks:
1. Use Images Along With Your New Vocabulary
The primary use of language is communication. And there’s a lot more to that than just word. It’s important to incorporate images into your memorization exercises. This can not only make your language learning more effective, but it can also add a splash of color to an otherwise boring task.
2. Mock Teaching a Foreign Language
Do you think it’s easier to teach? When you’re trying to remember vocabulary, it actually is. Pretend to explain the meaning of new words to an imaginary audience. This can help you understand the meaning better, and increase recall speed. Don’t be afraid to act silly for your own enjoyment.
3. Understand How Memory Works
Your brain has limits. Your attention and motivation fade over time. This influences how much information you commit to your long term memory. Learn about the difference between short and long term memory to plan your studies efficiently. Using Spaced Repetition Systems in your studies can help you remember the vocabulary much more effectively than any other method. Forgetting is a natural part of learning, but if you can turn it to your advantage, spaced repetition can fast track your language learning journey.
4. Pick the Right Language Learning Resources
Using language learning methods that work for you is the only way to successfully learn a foreign language. Invest time into finding what these are exactly. Whether it’s a classroom setting, private tutor or a language learning app, you need to see results. If you find a good method that brings you closer to your goals, memorizing vocabulary will be an easy part of the journey.
5. Use Mnemonics to Your Advantage
This popular memory aid is invaluable when trying to remember vocabulary. Use mnemonics to learn a series of words efficiently. You can make a short story based on your goal vocabulary. The odds of committing vocabulary to your memory effectively are much higher if they’re part of a story. Chances are you’ll learn them in just a day or two.
Funny or strange stories create an image in your mind that makes recalling the words easy. It also helps you remember the meaning behind the words. After a while, you won’t even need the story to remember the vocabulary. The word and its meaning will live separately in your bilingual memory.
Keep in mind that mnemonics are better served for helping you remember new words in the short-term. For long-term learning, you’ll need to focus on using what you remember with the mnemonics. That’s how you can get the most out of your language lessons.
6. Stress the Right Syllables
Emphasizing part of a word makes it easier to remember it. You can use this technique alongside mnemonic storytelling to maximize effectiveness. Stressing syllables is also better for your pronunciation. Listen to how a native speaker pronounces the words. By practicing vocabulary in the same way, your accent will improve. You’ll sound more like a native speaker yourself.
7. Enjoy Your Vocabulary Memorization
Learning a language is hard work. It takes a lot of time. That’s why it’s important to make it fun. Whatever method works for you, make sure you enjoy yourself. You’ll see results much faster. Not to mention that you’ll reap the benefits of being bilingual more efficiently.
Foreign Language Vocabulary Isn’t Everything
It’s also important to note that you can’t gauge fluency by counting how many words you know. Having a good base vocabulary is always useful. But focusing too much on expanding your vocabulary may leave other aspects of language learning weaker.
Make sure you practice other aspects of language learning equally. Speaking, reading, writing, and even grammar are important skills to practice if you want to master a foreign language.
If you’re looking for a language learning program that emphasizes successful memorization, OptiLingo is the tool for you. Our language learning app was built on two proven language theories: comprehensible input and spaced repetition. This means that you’ll find out the meaning of every vocabulary word. You’ll also receive repeated information regularly. This ensures that everything is committed to your long term memory effectively. Start your journey to fluency with the best language learning method today.
