Tips for learning vocabulary?
Most students go to great lengths to learn vocabulary and it is natural because, if you know a lot of grammar, but little vocabulary, you may not be able to maintain a fluent conversation in the language you are studying. From here we will try to help you with these tips to learn vocabulary, make sure you don't stop at simple memorization and that you have real success in language learning.
Learn vocabulary at school
In almost all schools, the learning of a language is programmed. Of course, this also includes all kinds of vocabulary. Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese have very similar grammatical structures and word origins. For this reason, many students find it easier to learn the vocabulary of a new Romance language if they can orient themselves in a language they have already learned. Regardless, the hard-hitting memorization method often used in schools is the least effective of all. So the first step to successfully learning vocabulary is to forget about this traditional method.
Time management while learning vocabulary
Time , of course, is a very important factor in learning vocabulary. Everything to be learned takes time. But of course you don't want to waste this time to use it as efficiently as possible.
We must bear in mind that our ability to concentrate is limited to 25-45 minutes when we are fully concentrated and according to the practice we have. This range is difficult to overcome, however, manage time itself can learn and improve quickly . This requires working orderly by making a to-do list, and setting time limits, finishing specific goals, adapting your energy level to your daily shape and time, as well as eliminating sudden interruption factors and rewarding at the end.
The regular establishment of breaks
In order not to overload your concentration limit of 25 to 45 minutes (in the most extreme case, 90 minutes), you must necessarily take regular breaks . You can put your concentration at risk so you have to prevent it by taking a 5 minute break after 25 minutes of constant study. Your brain will rest much better if you do some physical activity during your break without thinking too much.
Preparation and follow-up in language lessons
If you have language lessons pending at school or at a special language school, you need to prepare and follow up. The vocabulary is better memorized if you relate it to it . So read it for about 20 minutes before class and think of situations that come to mind. By the time you hear them in class, you will have already memorized some. Tracking shows you what vocabulary you still need to learn. Since you are now struggling with vocabulary for the third time, you will have already memorized quite a bit.
Handwriting while learning vocabulary
One of the most basic and also most effective rules for learning vocabulary is to write it by hand . Because if you write them on the computer, the chances of retaining it in the brain are much lower than if you write the letters with your hand. Now, you should plan more time for this, because even if you have to write the vocabulary, the learning will be more efficient and, in the end, you will save time.
Ways to learn vocabulary
In addition to these tips that will always help you learn vocabulary, we have also put together an overview of all effective learning methods for you. Take a closer look at which method works for you or which one you like best. Because learning anything can also be fun. If you have small successes in between, this increases your motivation and you will really have fun learning.
Learn vocabulary with memory aids
The easy use of bridges as support and memory aid is an important part of the studies. When it comes to learning vocabulary, the principle is very simple: just connect the word you are supposed to learn with something that comes to mind. It can be another word (for example, a person, an animal, a thing) or a situation. Some students even find it easier to rhyme with the word so that they have a melody in mind.
Learn vocabulary before bed
Experiences also show that a good practice is to study just before going to sleep. It happens that detailed information is better processed and stored while you sleep. So if you have certain troublesome words that just don't come to mind throughout the day, read them again before you go to sleep. You may need to know that the vocabulary will be particularly easy to memorize overnight and will help you overcome your anxiety.
Use your senses
From sheer experience we know that one of the most effective ways to learn vocabulary is not only saying the words mentally, but also pronouncing them out loud . Keep in mind that when you hear and pronounce the words, your brain perceives the words in two ways. If you want to increase the chances of memorizing the vocabulary, you should also write the words. This does not mean fast and illegible writing, but on the contrary you have to write concentrated, calm and aware of all the individual letters that are slowly joined to form a word. In this simple way you have put in motion and combined the engine and the visual components.You write, see, speak and listen to the vocabulary, so it is impossible for your brain not to assimilate it.
Divide difficult vocabulary into syllables
Some of the vocabulary is not only extensive, but they do not suggest anything you already know and sound strange, bridges seem impossible. But a good way to memorize this type of vocabulary is to divide it into syllables . So that you can pronounce them little by little.
Change the vocabulary so you can understand it
Depending on the language you are learning, there may be words that are really difficult to pronounce. For example, some people have trouble writing the "r" or pronouncing the "th" in English. When there are problems with pronunciation, it is also more difficult for the brain to take shortcuts. In this case, try to memorize a phonetic pronunciation: pronounce each letter as you learned to read Spanish in elementary school.