Hey there! Welcome back to English Fluency Journey.
I'm Anna. I want to share with you four things to do or four techniques to learn new vocabulary effectively.
First off, I want to tell you how it's better not to learn.
We all know that we have a short-term memory and a long-term memory.
A short-term memory is our capacity to hold information in mind in an active and available state for a short period of time. and a long-term memory that's all the information that stores in our brain. long-term memories can last from just a few days to many years.
Even if it's not actively used right now, we can recall this information when we need.
It's a vast resource, the repository for more permanent knowledge and skills.
And when we learn something that is where we want to put that knowledge.
I know that we all want to learn new vocabulary fast.
I want the same thing, and there are some people that can learn something new really fast. and that it's possible for average people as well, you just need to train your memory.
But what do we usually do? We take some words, we translate them or read their meaning, Then we try to memorize them by repeating them a couple of times. and then maybe repeat them the next day.
And this is the way to put information into our short-term memory. when we try to remember these words a week later or to use them a couple of days later We can't.
This is very much like getting ready for exams.
We memorize all the information a day or two days beforehand, we take the test and then we forget.
And this is not what we want here. Maybe this way works for some people, but not for everybody for sure.
But our short-term memories can become our long-term memories through consolidation.
That's a fancy word. Let's learn it. In this context, It's the process by which a new memory is converted into a form that is stable and long-lasting.
How can we do that? Technique number one, rehearse.
Repeat all that you've learned frequently.
And I know what you're probably thinking right now.
What is up with you and with that repetition, repetition, repetition? but i promise you guys it's not me it's just the way things are it's science basically All new data is stored in a short-term memory,
If you don't repeat it or use it, you forget it very fast.
There is a learning technique that is called spaced repetition, I use it and it works wonders.
I'd say that this is the most beneficial thing that I've started doing. because it trains your brain and it increases its capacity.
You can read about this technique online in details, but the point is, You have some vocabulary that you want to learn, or even grammar.
You read it, then you try to recall it. Repeat it right after.
Repeat it a couple of hours later. Then 24 hours later after initial contact with the information.
Then 72 hours later. Then 3 weeks later. and then, let's say, two months later.
And you can try to recall this data in between.
This way your brain understands that it matters and this information worth remembering and storing.
And this is the way to put information into your long-term memory.
The second technique is reading. Read a lot and out loud.
Not only does it help you to really learn new vocabulary, but also you constantly come across different words, including the ones you're trying to memorize.
Moreover, when you see them in context, it is much easier to make sense of them and to understand. how to use them appropriately.
And when you read out loud, you automatically work on your pronunciation.
And I want to include listening into this point.
When you listen a lot to someone speaking your target language, English in our case, it's almost the same as with reading.
You get to hear all these new words. how they're pronounced, how they're used in conversations, but you don't produce them by yourself.
And I'd say that it's a little easier. In both of these cases, you're just going to have to make a little effort by looking up words that you come across and that are new for you.
Technique number three, storytelling. You really need to use these words.
Of course, try to use them when you speak with someone.
And don't be afraid to say that you forgot a word or to take a couple of seconds to remember it or to even look it up.
I usually say, okay, I want to use a word here.
Just give me a second. It's on the tip of my tongue. and either I manage to remember it or I explain things differently. or if I can't remember it, I just say Okay, never mind.
I can't remember. Let's just move on. In addition, come up with stories using these words.
And either write them down or just talk to yourself.
Honestly, it works and I think you'll be amazed by how good it works after you try it for some time.
It almost has the same effect as reading. but it also pushes you to think, to create, therefore helping you consolidate your recently gained knowledge even better.
And Technique number four. Learn opposites.
Antonyms. Antonyms are words that are opposite in meaning to other words.
It's actually pretty easy. Your brain grasps these opposites a lot easier than simply absolutely random not connected words.
You can even learn these in addition to words that you're already learning.
These techniques are not super fast, but they'll give you long-lasting results.
And this is not to say that learning new words is going to take you months, not at all.
Of course, it depends on how determined you are, but it actually takes less and less time if you learn regularly.
At least try those. What do you have to lose?
You can even combine all that. Moreover, there's a huge benefit by doing this.
You'll train your memory. And the more you train it, the easier it gets to learn something new.
I know what I'm talking about. I've tried to find an easy way to train my memory.
And I came to realize that only by using it and actually training it, I can improve it.
Not to mention eating healthily and exercising.
You know, you need to feed your brain with nutrients and supply it with oxygen.
Well guys, I hope you enjoyed these techniques or tips, whatever you want to call them, and I hope you memorize them and use them, and they help you.
Okay guys, that's it for now. Thank you for choosing our podcast.
Until the next one.
