Memorization Techniques for Learning Foreign Words and Phrases

This is my brain after 3 cups of Italian coffee!

All the right tools can't help if we don't know how to use them rightly. Today, I'd like to give you a quick lesson on working with words and complete phrases in the memorization stage. We've talked about making word and phrase lists in other posts, and if you've tried it I am quite sure you have found it to be a great way to get a working knowledge of a language quickly.

But what about how to memorize word lists and whole phrases? One of my private English students likes to use flash cards, and that seems to work for him. The reason I don't use them, and never did, is that they become bulky and you can't "comfortably" carry 50 to 100 words in your pocket. That's why I like using a simple sheet of notebook paper that you can fold up. If it's loose-leaf, you can take it out of the binder when you are on the go, and put it back when you are done. It's also good to keep an archive of what you have learned anyway, so this is an effective way of doing that. Just put all the sheets back into the binder.

So how do I suggest memorizing words and phrases? Here is a list of my top 3 ingredients that I resolutely stand by:

1. Memorize your words and phrases in the morning. 

You can spend 10-15 minutes before work or school, going through your words list or new phrase while sipping a nice cup of coffee. Remember, if you follow my earlier posts, your list of "new" words wont be that big any way. And I don't recommend learning more than one or two phrases at a time. You can't effectively do more than that. The only time you should do more is when you review old lists for a refresher.

Why study in the morning? Our minds are sharpest in the first few hours of our day. They are not during our later hours. And by evening, my brain can do little more than a bowl of fat and sugar can. I do all my major studying in the morning. Occasionally I have to study through the afternoon and evening, but there's no comparison to the quality of morning study!

2. Repeat your words or phrase until you have gone through all of them without a mistake.

My memorizing technique when learning Serbian, Italian and Greek was always the same. And now with Hebrew I plan to do the same. Let's say that while going through my list I get through the first three words fine, but can't remember the 4th. I need to relearn it, then go through all four words again, starting from number one. When I can remember them all, I am ready to move on to number 5, 6, 7 and so on.

3. Use your word or phrase in an imaginary situation.

As soon as you have memorized a word or phrase, use it immediately in your mind while imagining yourself in a conversation that requires it. If you are by yourself, speak it out loud in a mock conversation. This does two things. Firstly, it employs an additional sense, namely your hearing. Secondly, it also exercises your tongue and mouth formation to sound off the words or phrases.

So there you go, my top three ingredients for successful memorization. There are others, but these are the best in my arsenal.

In my next post, I'll upload a PDF of one of my old, original word and phrase lists from 1993 when I was studying Serbian. You'll see how simple it can be, yet so effective.

Happy language learning!

Word Associations and Mind Mapping

Sample Word Associations. Created with NovaMind for Mac

I know, this post is l-o-o-o-n-g overdue. Can you ever forgive me? I hope that you'll enjoy today's post so much that you'll forget all about how late it has come out!

I had promised in my last post to provide you with an example of making word associations, and that is what I have for you today. I explained this concept in older posts, such as "Building an Effective Vocabulary" and "Completing the Process: Part Two of Building an Effective Vocabulary."

As you examine this method (mind-mapping), remember that it can be used not only with words but with complete phrases also.

In fact, mind mapping is so flexible that you can use it for anything you like, such as Mind Mapping for students in language study, life planning using mind maps, problem solving, brain storming or Mind Mapped lesson plans for teachers of a language class or any other subject.

I have come to appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of mind mapping so much that I use them all the time in my personal study and in my teaching. And I love them. I think when you start using them and become more familiar with their application, you will wonder how you ever lived without them!

Today's sample was done with NovaMind Express Mind Mapping Software for the Mac. Version 5 is already available for windows and soon to be for the Mac also. Of all the ones I have tried, NovaMind is my favorite pick for excellence of quality and service, but also because they offer the best prices on the market.

I will let the mind-map sample that I have uploaded here do most of the explaining. All I want to point out are a few basic fundamentals.

1. Mind maps can be done on paper by hand, or with Mind Mapping Software, such as in today's sample.
2. A mind map is read clockwise, starting at the 1:00 o'clock position
3. When creating a mind map you begin with the center topic and expand out from there, adding each related topic as sub-topics. 
4. With word associations, use only one word per related topic. This allows for the greatest amount of freedom, creativity and memorization.

Okay, I think that's enough. Go ahead and click on the image to view today's sample enlarged. Try making your own when you are done. I hope you enjoy this technique of mind mapping and as you do it, you will find that you get better and better.

*Please leave your feedback in the comments section. I would like to know how this idea works for you, or if you have any questions or other suggestions.

**Final note: If you follow the above links to NovaMind's Mind Mapping Software website from this page, and you decide to purchase any of their products, NovaMind will give a small (very small) commission to me as a thank you for referring them. This helps keep The Language Station running as a free language resource to everyone.

How to Hammer the Grammar

Until now we've mostly looked at tips for getting elementary students up to speed with language study, and that has meant leaving OUT the grammar to a large degree. But today I'd like to make one quick post that runs in the opposite direction.

As I have mentioned more than once, there is a time for grammar. And when that time comes, there is a right way and a wrong way to study grammatical rules. If you've taken the plunge into the uncharted, murky waters of the grammatical world, consider this tip.

Only focus on ONE grammatical rule at a time, and DON'T add another until you've really understood how to use it. And when you are learning that particular rule, create a list of phrases (just like we talked about in previous posts) that contain clear examples of how to use that rule. Get the rule into your head and then into your speech. When you find yourself using it well, add another grammar rule to the mix and repeat the process.

In my next post, I plan to give you an example of word associations and teach you a GREAT way to make them as clear and memorable as possible, so stay tuned!

It's been a busy season here with the holidays so this post came a little slowly at TLS. But I'm sure you understand and hope your winter has been a healthy and enjoyable one so far!

Until next time, happy language learning!