Tips for Memorizing Vocabulary in a Foreign Language?

Answer 1

Learning a foreign language can be tough. One of the most challenging aspects can be memorizing vocabulary. Here are some tips for memorizing vocabulary in a foreign language, whether you are just beginning or have been studying it for years. Make it meaningful. We tend to remember vocabulary better if we can make it meaningful to our lives. As you learn a new word, think about how you would use it in our daily life, or envision the word as it applies to you or someone you know. For example, when you learn the word for house in another language, imagine your house as you say it. Learn and practice it in context. Good language instructors tend to teach vocabulary in “chunks” of words that belong together. This is because it helps our mind organize and remember these sets of vocabulary. For example, it makes sense that you would learn the word for chair at the same time you use the word for table. This is exactly how you should review vocab – in meaningful groupings/contexts. Use (keep using) it or lose it! Of course, it’s important to review and practice new vocabulary right after you learn it so you don’t forget it. It’s also important to constantly review “old” vocabulary as you learn “new” vocabulary. For example if you learn the names of classroom tools (book, computer, pen, pencil) one month and the vocabulary for the classes themselves (history, math, French, etc.) the next month, go back and review the classroom tools vocabulary as you are reviewing the class vocabulary. One way to do this would be to write sentences that include both (i.e. “I use my book in French class.”) Identify a memorization technique that works for you and stick with it. Flashcards (where you write the foreign language vocab word on work well for some people. Others need to speak the word over and over in order to memorize it. Try out different techniques until you find one that works – and then stick with it.