Connecting Images To Words: A Simple Yet Effective Memory Training Technique If You're Learning A Foreign Language
Memory training techniques are handy when you are learning a foreign language. They can spell the difference in terms of how rapidly you learn the language and how much of the words you're learning you absorb. Language learning traditionally had learners repeating foreign words over and over. Even though this technique sure helps a lot in terms of learning how to pronounce the words, it's not really helpful in remembering them. Instead, learners can be helped by using memory techniques that are specifically appropriate for learning a foreign language. These memory training strategies are a lot more effective in helping you recall foreign words and phrases for many years.
One of the most effective memory training approaches for learning a foreign language is linking the foreign word with something that is familiar to you. Nonetheless, this relationship must be to an image you can see in your mind, and this image must be made to be ridiculous, something so silly or fantastic that it will be kept in mind.
A big problem with regards to recalling foreign words is that they are so unfamiliar to us that they make no sense. Once we can connect this word to something we are familiar with, we are half-way to recalling it; the second part is to conjure up that fantastic image. Our brains are such that we have a tendency to forget the mundane data that goes in our minds. We don't generally remember boring things that we see or hear. The unusual, the crazy, and silly things we see and hear are often remembered for some time. Therefore, it is important to make sure the image is one you find absurd.
To offer an example of this image link process, let's look at the word "caliente", the Spanish word for "hot". The word isn't even close to being like the word "hot", so how will you remember it? There are four syllables in "caliente" so you can try breaking it down. The first two syllables combined sound like collie, the breed of dog. You could connect the third syllable ("en") with "in" (as in inside) and the very last syllable ("te") with "tea", the drink. Although the last syllable of the word "caliente" is pronounced to rhyme with the English word "day", it is close enough. We can easily visualize a collie within the air conditioned house on a very hot day, sitting on an easy chair like a man would, drinking iced tea.
However, take note that every person will have their own set of images that will work for them. In your case, let's assume that you imagine a collie enjoying tea in his house on a hot summer day. This absurd image shall be imprinted in your memory, making you remember that "caliente" means hot.
It is important to keep in mind that memory training such as this takes time. The first time you start utilizing this for learning a different language, you will be slow. Nonetheless, as you become accustomed to the technique, you will be able to think of silly images and be able to remember foreign vocabulary faster.
One of the most effective memory training approaches for learning a foreign language is linking the foreign word with something that is familiar to you. Nonetheless, this relationship must be to an image you can see in your mind, and this image must be made to be ridiculous, something so silly or fantastic that it will be kept in mind.
A big problem with regards to recalling foreign words is that they are so unfamiliar to us that they make no sense. Once we can connect this word to something we are familiar with, we are half-way to recalling it; the second part is to conjure up that fantastic image. Our brains are such that we have a tendency to forget the mundane data that goes in our minds. We don't generally remember boring things that we see or hear. The unusual, the crazy, and silly things we see and hear are often remembered for some time. Therefore, it is important to make sure the image is one you find absurd.
To offer an example of this image link process, let's look at the word "caliente", the Spanish word for "hot". The word isn't even close to being like the word "hot", so how will you remember it? There are four syllables in "caliente" so you can try breaking it down. The first two syllables combined sound like collie, the breed of dog. You could connect the third syllable ("en") with "in" (as in inside) and the very last syllable ("te") with "tea", the drink. Although the last syllable of the word "caliente" is pronounced to rhyme with the English word "day", it is close enough. We can easily visualize a collie within the air conditioned house on a very hot day, sitting on an easy chair like a man would, drinking iced tea.
However, take note that every person will have their own set of images that will work for them. In your case, let's assume that you imagine a collie enjoying tea in his house on a hot summer day. This absurd image shall be imprinted in your memory, making you remember that "caliente" means hot.
It is important to keep in mind that memory training such as this takes time. The first time you start utilizing this for learning a different language, you will be slow. Nonetheless, as you become accustomed to the technique, you will be able to think of silly images and be able to remember foreign vocabulary faster.
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