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!

Building an Effective Vocabulary

Before I tell you how to build a truly effective vocabulary, I want you to know that I've added an "About" page to explain a little more about myself and The Language Station. Check it out when you get a chance. I'll also be adding other pages soon, including a resource page. Now for today's post, "Building an Effective Vocabulary."

In my last post, When Grammar is a Problem in Language Learning, I gave you advice that usually makes language instructors tilt their head in disbelief when they hear it. To many, asking students to focus on vocabulary in the beginning and to leave the grammar for later, seems counterproductive. Actually, it’s not. 

Why not?

Because the vocabulary I recommend for a student to focus on automatically forces some grammar in, but without explanation of any rules. This method has been tested on the ground in real life and it gets students FUNCTIONING in day-to-day situations, very quickly. That’s only IF a student actually puts it into practice.  Tips like these will continue to make more and more sense as I post future additions. These first three tips are only part of a series. They work best when put together.

Unconventional Tip Number Three: The vocabulary to learn in the early stages should ONLY include nouns and verbs that can be used IMMEDIATELY. The choice of which ones will vary based on the student’s surroundings or needs. For a simple example, a woman studying English for business should only learn the words that she will hear or need to speak today and tomorrow in her work. Don’t limit yourself to the suggested vocabulary of a course book unless it really fits your immediate needs. Otherwise, you probably wont be able to use everything it suggests, and you will definitely need more than it gives. Create your OWN vocabulary list. Don't add to your list more than about five or ten words in a day. In one week, that makes 35-70 words! Not bad for a start, eh?

In my next post, I’ll give you three more steps to complete this process so you can start speaking complete phrases, c-o-r-r-e-c-t-l-y and without consciously learning the grammar. This will be perhaps one of the BIGGEST and most helpful tips I can give you. I’ll also have a word or two for those who are learning an Asian language like chinese etc.

Until then, Happy Language Learning!

Mark

Effective Language Study

Through the years I've met a lot of wonderful people that were zealous to learn a second language. Some of them just dreamed about doing it, others started doing it. But few actually did it to the point that they could say they learned one. Fewer still made it to a level that they could give someone directions while on vacation in a foreign country. Obviously, not everyone needs to reach that kind of fluency (though it would be nice). But those who study a language should at least reach their goal before saying "enough." I say this with empathy because I personally understand the blood, sweat and tears that go into learning languages. I am not just a language instructor, but I've also been and will continue to be, a language student for life.

In 1993 during the war, I was plunged into a little village in Yugoslavia where I lived for four years. Speaking, reading and writing Serbian proficiently (with its two alphabets in Cyrillic and Latin) along with a little Hungarian at the same time, were two tasks I needed to accomplish quickly. I then had to repeat the process and learn Italian in 2001 after moving to the province of Treviso, in northeastern Italy where I still live at the time of writing. In 2009, once again I was faced with the task of learning a language for my seminary course. This time, it was Koine Greek. That was no cake walk!

Now I'm in the process of learning ancient Hebrew. Yes, I know. I'm a glutton for punishment. But seriously, learning a second language, and even a third or fourth, is not only possible, but if you do it right, it can be enjoyable and extremely rewarding in so many ways. What's more, it gets easier the more you do it. The problem is very few people have that kind of experience because either they are doing enough things wrong that frustration crushes them, or they just lack certain habits that they could easily develop with the right instruction.

It's true, learning a language means hard work. I'd be lying to you if I said it weren't. And I can't offer you a miracle pill to make it happen. But I can offer you The Language Station to help you through your various stages of language study. Best of all, it's F-R-E-E! As an ESL teacher, I conduct English lessons to corporate and private students. My philosophy, methods and habits are definitely NOT text book. In fact, they may be called unorthodox. But they have worked for me, and my students (when they are applied), every time. They will work for you, too.

If you are a serious language student, an enthusiast, or just preparing to order pasta on your next vacation in Venice, this blog is here to help you get the most from your study time. How you study a language and maintain it, makes all the difference between time well spent and time much wasted.

Be sure to tune in to The Language Station to get free advice, unconventional tips, tricks and study techniques, book recommendations, funny blooper stories and a lot more. I'm still developing the site, so you'll want to check back frequently or just subscribe to not miss any valuable posts.

Unconventional tip number one: when just beginning a foreign language, a-v-o-i-d the grammar. I'll tell you why in my next post.

Happy language learning!

Mark