Learning new words can be a difficult process for many people, but there are a few simple strategies to help make it easier.
Mnemonic devices
One effective way of building your vocabulary is through the use of mnemonic devices. These can be as simple as creating an acronym or phrase out of the first letter of each word you want to learn, or using a visual image that connects to that word.
Acccording to an entry by Russell N. Carney in the Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development, mnemonic devices “systematically change difficult to remember material into more easily remembered material”.
For example, if you wanted to remember the word “apiculture” which means beekeeping, you could create an image in your mind of bees buzzing around their hive and think of the phrase “A Picture Of Insects Cultivating Energy Resources” with each letter representing a different part of the word’s definition.
Psychcentral says: “Mnemonic devices are useful learning aids when memorizing large amounts of information.”
Visual imagery is also commonly used as a mnemonic device. This helps create mental images associated with facts or concepts being studied which can be recalled easier than words alone. An example would be creating a picture in one’s mind of all the great lakes placed in their respective locations on a map when studying them.
Overall, there are many effective techniques for using mnemonic devices that can help an individual better remember information they are studying. Whether it’s using acronyms to create words related to the material or utilizing visual imagery to create vivid mental pictures of information – these methods can be invaluable aids for remembering important details of any given subject.
Flashcards
Another strategy is to create flashcards with both the new word and its definition. Writing things down helps embed them into your long-term memory and makes them easier to recall later on. Additionally, use some of these words in conversations and practice writing sentences with them. The more exposure to this new vocabulary you have, the easier it will be for you to recall it later on.
Flashcards are not just a great way to learn but also incredibly portable. If you find yourself with a few spare minutes, you can simply whip out your flashcards and get studying.
As Rossetta Stone points out, the Leitner study method is a brilliant method you can try. This involves categorizing flashcards based on how often you answer correctly by using boxes or clips.
Reading articles
Finally, try reading articles related to topics where you expect these words will come up frequently. This way when they do appear in conversation or other written material, you may recognize them from having read about them before and this familiarity will help jog your memory on their meaning when needed.