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One of the greatest obstacles in learning another language is confidence. Everybody experiences some
level of shame, pride or the other emotions that make you feel paralysed when you can't express yourself properly. We know we can discuss all manner of topics, make jokes and form wonderfully poetic descriptions in our own language, but sometimes, just sometimes, the English tongue is heavy and mute.
Now, there are many elements in learning a language, for some people it is entirely academic and they prefer to know the rules inside-out. For others, the immersive experience of learning through acquisition is best, some like a mixture of techniques. The question is, how do you remember all those words in another language, how do you get the vocabulary that allows you freedom of expression?
The following tips are no secret, they are simple but when followed, very effective. The first thing you should consider, is a small book, a place to keep your valuable vocabulary. It should be small enough to fit in a pocket or carry in your bag. Take pride in it, buy one that looks special or decorate one so it feels important.
Take it with you EVERYWHERE (except the shower)
1 – Release the artist within – this works best with nouns, but depending on your ability you can depict a scene involving actions, descriptions or almost any word. If you can't draw, find a picture (magazine/internet) and glue it into the book! One of my students made an entire dictionary dedicated to food in this way. The interaction with the words was incredibly beneficial and he fell in love with the word 'kumquat' which is really fun to say.
2 – Context is key – simple, write a sentence with the word used in context. Context based learning provides a deeper understanding of vocabulary and it's use. It also makes words and phrases easier to remember.
3 – There's more than one way to skin a cat – here's a word that maybe you don't know – podgy. Now here is the same word amongst some friends that mean more or less the same thing; synonyms make your vocabulary game STRONG – fat, chubby, podgy, overweight, plump.
4 – Opposites attract – the same principle as using synonyms. Use an antonym to understand it's opposite, for example wide ~ narrow
An even better idea is to combine these techniques, for a maximum memory workout.
Do you have any techniques for remembering vocabulary? Why not write about them?
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