In order to optimize my learning capacity and benefit optimally from my language learning sessions every day, I focus a part of the session on learning new and reviewing vocabulary. Because time is short and a language learning session of 15 minutes is quite rapid, vocabulary learning must be focused, effective and fast.
A very useful and effective website that marries both vocabulary learning and general training is Memrise (Duolingo is excellent too, but Memrise does specialize into long-term and short-term memory when it comes to learning new words. Although both sites are worth to be used, when it comes to long term memorizing, I would advise to use Memrise, which has Lakota and Kirundi in the languages it proposes and is all free of charge, as far as I know)
The method I practice into my own Languages Training Plan for vocabulary learning is the following:
- Learn 5 new words
- Study 5 new words
- Review 5 new words
I explain myself:
1. I learn every day 5 new words, the meaning of which I did not know. So I learn and consign in my vocabulary lists 5 new words I learn from scratch. I write them down in a list that I have with me and get back to during each learning session. These words are taken from exercising and training on tutorial websites, reading the press, listening to the radio in the languages I learn. I learn all the words in their context (press articles, books, podcasts, etc.), making them easier to remember, because they, then, are a part of a bigger story. I learn 5 new words for each language trained in.
2. I study 5 new words I had learned previously but not studied yet, from the lists of vocabulary lists I redact every day. Studying means that I train at remembering the meaning of the words. It helps to study them into a sentence that you might have consigned with the word in the list, or that you can imagine when studying. Studying the words corresponds to the process of memorizing the words into the longterm memory. remembering the context and studying them into their context is thus more effective of a method. Repeating the words aloud, by articulating them, each syllable after one another, slowly and then more rapidly, will help you to memorize the spelling. Practicing writing the words with your hand (it has been proven by various scientific research that taking notes by hands help to remember more than typing it digitally on a computer because it actionates your motoric memory, which can be of great help in enhancing your vocabulary retention). Writing them with your hand will also help you remember their spelling better.
So in short:
- Study the words in context
- Speak them outloud
- Write them with your hand
3. I review 5 words I had previously learned and studied before. Reviewing means that I train at remembering their meaning, spelling, and pronunciation, by, for example, hiding the equivalent in another language and training at writing then correcting, saying and listening to correct the prononciation.
– Let’s recap with me –
Make sure that when staring every language learning & training session, you start with studying 5 words and reviewing 5 other words. Learning 5 new words will take place later on during the session.
to improve your memory retention of the new words:
Remember to:
-learn the words in their context
– remember them in their context
– check out their pronunciation, listen to the words by other speakers
– articulate the words outloud
– write down the words by hand
– repeat the words out loud
- Learn – 2. Study – 3. review – 4. remember
In total, at least 15 words should be worked out every day, for each language trained and learned.
I personally and would advise to, practice that 15 words method every day for 6 days out of 7, the last day being entirely devoted to studying, reviewing and practicing vocabulary accumulated during the all week.
Tra.No Be - Translation 