Failure to memorize vocabulary is one of the top excuses given by people who give up language learning. With that in mind, I decided to put together the following quick guide on how to memorize foreign vocabulary. This outlines 9 incredible techniques for memorising vocabulary, providing invaluable advice on learning a foreign language. Above all, It will help you make sure that your language-learning experience is a success.
1. High Frequency Hit List
The best way to begin is to draw up a list of the words used the most in your target language. We can call this “high frequency vocabulary.” These are everyday words that, once understood, will allow you to “get by” from day to day in another country without much hassle.
For example, just 300 words account for 95% of everyday, basic conversation in the English language. If you learn these 300 words, you can hold a basic conversation. This means that you first focus on learning words like “is” and “the” before learning – for example – the names of obscure animals. If you memorise a modest number of these words every day, you will soon be speaking your target language like a native.
In any given language there are different words that are important to learn before others. These words are just more useful. A lot of them will be basic verbs and pronouns, such as “to go,” “to be,” “to do,” and “I,” “your,” he,” etc. If you can master just 4 verbs and 6 personal pronouns, there’s every chance that you can hold a basic conversation in your new language!
Once you’ve got these basic tools, you can then transition to popular concrete nouns, such as the words for household objects (oven, door, window) and people (family, girl, face). You can then move onto basic demonstratives, conjunctions and descriptions until over a short period of time your vocabulary is made up of over a thousand words.
2. Strengthen Your Passive Vocabulary
The first time you learn a new word, it will likely be added to your passive vocabulary. Only later will it make its way to your active vocabulary. This means that you’ll be able to understand the new words you’ve learned, but you won’t know how to use them just yet. That’s okay – your time will come.
The best way to learn more words in your target language is to build up your passive vocabulary as much as you can. How do you do this? By absorbing as much information as you can. This is another great way to memorize vocabulary.
For example, you need to expose yourself to linguistic content, such as blogs, vlogs, movies, TV shows, songs and so on. Watch foreign language movies you haven’t seen before and pay attention to the words. Let them enter your passive vocabulary. This is also a great way learn foreign words more quickly.
3. Watch Kids TV Shows
Yep, it’s time to be a kid again! The reason I’m suggesting that you watch children’s television is because the characters speak slowly and very articulately. This is so that the children can understand what’s being said. Moreover, the shows tend to include lots of visual and contextual clues as to what the language means.
For sure, an episode about – for example – the weather might not excite you in terms of the action. But it will be a very useful way of learning new words.
4. Read Kids Books
As well as watching children’s TV shows, you should also read children’s books.
But there’s a catch. Instead of reading the book in your native language, you should seek out a foreign translation. This shouldn’t be too difficult. All you need to do is look for the most popular children’s books – such as The Grinch Stole Christmas or anything else by Dr. Seuss. The language in these books is simple, everyday language, and it comes complete with visual aids that will assist your learning.
5. Watch Educational Shows and Documentaries
I really believe that watching TV to learn a new language is one of the best things you could do. It’s entertaining, but it’s also educational. And one of the best ways to memorize vocabulary.
Documentaries are especially useful because the narrators/speakers often speak very slowly, and they make it a point to articulate their words. Plus, whatever they’re saying is always accompanied by something visually relevant on the screen. Therefore, it’s really easy to grasp the context.
6. Read Public Signs
Whenever you pop out for a walk in another country, make sure that you read the public signs, such as “stop” and “go ahead.” Do the same whenever you go to restaurants and bars – read any signs you see and make mental notes.
7. Read Wikipedia
I don’t know about you, but one of my favourite things to do is to read Wikipedia. For now, though, it’s time for you to read it in your target language.
To switch languages on Wikipedia, you just need to head over to the left-hand menu and choose your language. I recommend reading about a subject you’re already familiar with first, as it will be much easier to grasp the meaning of each word.
Once you’ve built up your passive vocabulary, it’s time to start using some of the words in real-life conversations. Here are a few tips for expressing yourself and making your vocabulary more active:
8. Write In Your New Language
It doesn’t matter how good you are at writing. For now, start a diary and try to write in it at least once a day – just practice your thoughts and get used to writing in a different language. This kind of writing is a great way to memorize vocabulary.
9. Talk To Yourself
This one isn’t as strange as it sounds, and all polyglots do it! When no one else is available, spend some time chatting to yourself about your day and how you feel. Do it in your target language and get comfortable with asking questions to yourself (and answering them).
All in all, vocabulary is the building blocks that form a language. When you build a house, you need strong breaks that each have the same size. It’s the same with language. You need to lay each brick one by one and build up your vocabulary. But as you go along, you need to support it with additional learning, as laid out in my definitive guide to learning a foreign language. Combine that vocabulary with syntax, using grammar as the mortar that binds each brick together, and you will super-charge your language learning!
