One of the most important things when you’re learning a foreign language is getting to grips with vocabulary. At the moment I’m learning Portuguese, and that means learning as many words as possible, as fast as possible. As I read through endless lists of Portuguese words, I started thinking – how can I learn foreign words quickly?
One of the fastest ways is to take advantage of your neural network. Whenever we read or hear a word, a whole host of images pop into our mind related to that word. When you want to learn a new foreign word quickly, you simply tie that word in with a word that you already know.
The Neural Network in Action
For example, let’s take the French word ‘jaillir’. This means to gush, or ‘spring forth’, and I always had trouble remembering that particular word for some reason. This was until I placed it in the longer phrase ‘la source jaillit parmi les rochers’. This means ‘the spring gushes amongst the rocks’. I had made that wider connection between the ‘gushing’, and the image of a spring cascading down a parched mountainside (think Manon des Source, by Marcel Pagnol). I was sure that I would never forgot that particular word again.
Regardless of the methods you use to study a language, you’ll end up having to learn hundreds of vocabulary words. You need this to be able to speak or read fluently. There’s no single “best way” to learn all these words; the most effective study methods look different for every language student. There are plenty of guides on how best to learn the vocabulary that you need. A professional with a demanding job won’t study the same way as a student on an exchange program. The “best way” to learn new vocabulary is whatever way fits your lifestyle.
Most study methods fall into two categories, active learning or passive learning. There are plenty of ways to get in both kinds of practice. The question is: what will work best for you?
Active Strategies to Learn Foreign Words
This takes place when you’re speaking, reading, or writing in a new language. You’re really putting effort into processing what you’re learning, usually during time that’s been set aside specifically for studying. Rather than using repetition to drive the words into your brain, try using a strategy called “interleaved learning”. Go over some new words for the first time without learning them completely, then go study something else for a while. Afterwards, return to what you were learning at first, and work on it some more. This is much more effective than traditional methods like flashcards. Because you’re working some variations into what you’re practicing, the brain can go a lot longer without becoming desensitized. There are also additional things to take into consideration in certain situation, such as when you’re learning a language from home.
This is a great way to learn if you don’t have a lot of time to study. For instance, in the morning you could work on vocabulary words, and then do something else. Later on you could return to the same words. You will learn them faster than if you’d spent the whole time on the same thing.
The Power of Speech
Another great practice method is just to speak as much as possible. This isn’t for everyone, but if you’re surrounded by the language it’s probably the most straightforward way to learn. If this method works for you but you can’t find people to talk with, try looking online for a language partner. There are plenty of websites where people connect to help each other learn new languages, and this can help you learn foreign words quickly.
For some people, reading is the best way to get used to the ins and outs of a foreign language. Written words are easier to understand than spoken language. You have more time to look up words you don’t understand, and the structure helps you learn how sentences are put together. This is a great option if you’ll be using your language skills for reading more than for communication. Sometimes the goal is to be able to learn about new cultures in their own languages. Try formulating your own thoughts into new words isn’t as much of a priority.
When Language Learning Doesn’t Require Your Ears
Whenever you’re doing work that doesn’t require your ears, that’s a chance for passive learning. You could tune into a foreign radio station while you’re driving or preparing a meal. Or listen to podcasts in your target language while you take the dog for a walk. If you want to get some practice and entertainment at the same time, try finding a foreign-language film. Alternatively watch one that’s been dubbed over or subtitled.
If you’re able to study several hours per day, try mixing up both active and passive learning. You could start by reading, move on to studying from a curriculum, and then let yourself relax by listening to a podcast while you eat lunch. Afterwards you could practice writing out sentences with words you’ve learned earlier in the day. Finish with more reading or listening.
This is just an example; there are all kinds of ways to effectively learn a new language. Just make sure that you study consistently and stay motivated; the way you do it is up to you. You may also want to check out some more in-depth guides on how to improve your language learning.
If there is a particular method that has worked well for you, why not tell us about it in the comments!
