Remember not to forget Why do people who speak multiple languages remember words but do not forget them? Have you ever wondered how people who speak multiple languages remember words so that they do not forget them and can use them immediately without having to translate them?
The answer lies in how you connect words to context, images, sounds and feelings, which helps your brain build strong connections that you can use naturally in real life.
One widely accepted technique comes from Gabe Wyner, author of Fluent Forever, who focuses on using mnemonics (memory through images and meaning) and modern flashcards that connect vocabulary with practical experiences.
Traditional vocabulary memorization problems
Learning vocabulary without context or associations, such as memorizing the meaning directly or translating the words into your native language, has major disadvantages:
- Lack of connections in the brain : Our brains are not good at remembering information that is not connected to experience.
- Short-term memory : Traditional memorization may help you remember things for a few days, but you will forget them in the long run.
- Not available : When it’s time to speak, does the brain often forget how to use a word or what it means?
A technique for linking words that really works
To help your vocabulary become embedded in your long-term memory and immediately accessible, here are some techniques to help you remember it:
- Connect words to images : Our brains remember images better than text. If you see the word “dog” and imagine your favorite dog or use a picture of a dog on a flashcard, your brain will make an association between the word and the image, making it easier to remember.
- Associate words with sounds : Listening to words with their sounds helps your brain remember their sound structure and pronunciation. Try listening to the word “cat” as a native speaker says it. This will help build confidence and familiarity.
- Create example sentences in context : Learning vocabulary through sentences like “I see a dog in the park.” – gives you an idea of how the word is used in a real-world situation. It also helps you remember basic grammar along the way.
- Connect words to feelings and experiences : Our brains remember best when they’re emotional. Think about situations that lead you to use the word, such as the word “happy.” → Imagine a time when you felt happy.
- Storytelling : Remembering vocabulary through stories helps you make multiple connections. For example, “The cat jumps on the dog, and they play together.” This story helps you remember the words “cat,” “dog,” and “jumps” all at once.
Key Helper: Modern Flashcards
Flashcards are a popular tool for memorizing vocabulary, but the traditional method of simply listing the word and its definition may not be enough anymore. Gabe Wyner has improved the efficiency of using flashcards with these key techniques:
- Use visual representation : Instead of writing “dog,” use a picture of a dog to represent the meaning. This helps your brain remember the word without having to translate it.
- Add sound and pronunciation : Record the words in the Flashcard so you can listen and imitate the pronunciation.
- Add an example sentence : Add a sentence that uses the word, such as “The dog is running fast.”, so you can learn the real-world context of its use.
- Practice Active Recall : Flashcards should be designed to stimulate the brain to retrieve information, such as looking at a picture and asking yourself what the word is.
Example of creating a Flashcard
Front: Picture of a dog in the garden and the sound of the word “dog”.
Back: The word “dog.” Sentence: “I see a dog in the park.” Translation: “dog.”
Sustainable training with AI
When you use modern flashcards with AI technology, such as apps that automatically adapt your learning to you or systems that check your pronunciation, you can memorize words faster and practice using them effectively in real-world situations.
Change your memory today for a smoother tomorrow.
Remember not to forget | Why do people who speak many languages not remember words? Hopefully we have the answer to how to do it?
The technique of linking words not only helps you remember better, but also helps you say the words immediately without having to translate. Get started today with these flashcards and techniques and see the difference!
Want to learn more? The next article will cover “Advanced, Practical Flashcards for Fluent Speakers” with examples and guidelines!
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