Reading with simultaneous listening
One of the easiest ways to memorize new words is to combine reading text with listening to it. This can be done in several ways: reading a book while listening to its audio version, listening to a podcast while reading the script in a foreign language, or watching a movie or video with subtitles enabled in the target language. Such parallel perception of information through the auditory and visual channels helps to better reinforce new vocabulary.
Vocabulary selection and associations
When working with a text, do not try to translate and learn all unfamiliar words consecutively — the brain is unable to retain the entire volume of information. It is recommended to select only words significant for specific purposes, making up about a third of the total number of unfamiliar words. For example, for a future physician, priority terms will be brain and blood vessel, rather than highly specialized vocabulary from other fields.
To consolidate new words, it is effective to use associations. The brain builds a network of connected elements, and a new word is better remembered if it is connected to one already learned. For example, knowing the words "to look" and "back", you can form the phrasal verb "to look back". Such a network of connections is called a word spider web, which can be recorded on paper or in an app and used for subsequent review.
Deconstruction of compound words
Long compound words are easier to memorize by breaking them down into simpler elements. For example, the word bedroom can be broken down into "bed" and "room". Mastering simple parts makes it easier to memorize the whole word and even allows you to guess its meaning if you forget it.
Dynamic repetition
Simple rote repetition is not always effective — it is important to use several different methods simultaneously. The more diverse the approach, the higher the probability that the word will be fixed in long-term memory. These methods include:
- Spaced repetition using specialized applications, such as Anki
- Alternating between reading and listening to the text
- Picture method: viewing images and recalling the corresponding words
A specific schedule of time intervals for repetition is also suggested: 15 minutes after learning the word, then in 50–60 minutes, the next day, in two days, and in three days. This sequence helps move the word from short-term to long-term memory.
Recording and mnemonics
It is important to write down new words immediately — in a notebook, notepad, or phone notes. Without recording, information is quickly forgotten, leaving no opportunity to return to it.
An additional tool is mnemonics — techniques that facilitate the assimilation of information by creating memorable images or consonances. Examples:
- "To run" — scientists at the RAS (Russian Academy of Sciences) advise running
- "Bridge" — playing bridge on a bridge
- "To spot" — you can trip if you don't spot a small stone on the road
Using words in speech and games
Active use of new vocabulary in your own speech and writing is considered one of the key factors for its consolidation. To do this, it is recommended to:
- Communicate with native speakers via apps or directly in the target language country
- Visit conversation clubs where you can meet native speakers and like-minded people
- Record yourself on video delivering a monologue on a given topic
- Correspond with foreigners or other language learners
An alternative way to memorize words is through games — crosswords, anagrams, Scrabble, and Boggle. This format makes the learning process less monotonous and more engaging.
Key points
- Combining reading and listening to text enhances the memorization of new vocabulary
- You should select only significant words rather than memorizing all unfamiliar vocabulary consecutively
- Associations and word spider web help connect new words with already learned ones
- Deconstructing compound words into simple elements facilitates their assimilation
- Effective repetition requires a combination of different methods and specific time intervals
- Mnemonics create imagery connections that simplify word memorization
- Active use of words in speech and writing fixes them in long-term memory
- Games (crosswords, anagrams, Scrabble, Boggle) make the memorization process more engaging