Learning vocabulary words is critical part of learning to speak a foreign language, next to grammar. If you can say any words, how can you speak the language? Learning vocabulary words isn’t always easy. In a perfect world, we would be able to look at a word and never remember it. This way, we could learn hundreds of words a day. Unfortunately, this doesn’t usually happen. For some, remembering the words is simple. For others, it is very difficult. If you practice some simple steps, hopefully you will be able to learn in a short period of time.
The key to studying a new vocabulary word is using it and seeing it over and over. If you can use a language program that has this quality built in, you are in luck. If not, there are ways to simulate it.
Put together a list of words you want to study in the first day. You might pick 10 completely unrelated words. Start by writing down the list with the target language first then English. Read through them a few times. Next, pick your first term. Read through both translations 10 times out loud. Now look at the target language word. Does it remind you of anything that be used to help you remember what it means?
For example, the Spanish word for paper is papel. This one is simple because the the beginning of the word looks just like paper. Now, every time you need to know the word for paper in Spanish, try to remember that papel looks like paper.
Now, you should repeatedly use the word. Try to write three to five sentences using the word in different ways. When you finish it with each word, write them down on an index card so that you can use them on flashcards later on. Carry them with you when you know you’ll have some free time to use them. This way, you can constantly be looking at them and reviewing them. When you are finished with vocabulary each day, don’t just move on to the next set of words and forget the rest. Always keep them all in mind.
Also when you have free time, try to construct sentences as you think using your vocabulary words. You don’t want to just remember the word when you see it, you want to have it mastered so that whenever you need it, you don’t have to think first, it just comes out. For example, you might always know that papel means paper, but will you always know how to say paper in Spanish? Papel needs to just pop in your head.
This is how you will become fluent. You need to know each word inside and out. Try to think in your language. It’s a great way to use your language whenever you want even if you don’t have any study materials. Also, you won’t look weird speaking in another language because you are only thinking it. The key to learning any language is by practicing. As they say, “practice makes perfect!”
Posts Tagged ‘Sentences’
The Easiest Way To Learn Languages
December 12th, 2009The easiest way to learn languages cannot be found in one single method. The truth is, there are many different ways to learn languages that are friendly to foreign language novices and virtually costs nothing. If you are looking for the easiest way to learn languages, you may want to start by getting yourself a dictionary of whatever language you wish to learn and start looking up random words that are often used in everyday conversations. Do not get intimidated when you do not get the words and their definition right away. It is understandable especially if you have been speaking only one language, like English, for a very long time. Language audio tapes could also come in handy. In fact, it is better if you have a dictionary and an audio tape of the language you are trying to learn for purposes of learning the correct pronunciation of the words. Remember that pronunciation is an essential part of diction in most languages. The easiest way to learn languages includes a lot of repetition. Learning languages is about the same as learning to speak your very first word as a child. It needs to be repeated to you over and over before you start saying it correctly. It sounds silly but that is really how the human brain works. It is like a sponge that absorbs information. Furthermore, the information that the brain can best absorb are those that are presents more frequently than the rest. Expose yourself to native speakers of the language you want to learn. What can perhaps be considered as the easiest way to learn languages is to be among those who speak them fluently. If you are lucky enough to know such people, take time and make an effort to get to know them and try conversing with them in their native tongue. Chances are, they will correct you whenever you mispronounce or misuse a word. It is also a great way of knowing how the words and sentences are actually spoken in regular conversations. Language manuals can be very technical sometimes that what you learn from it may sound very formal compared to what is normally used. When you learn enough words and sentences in your chosen language, make it a habit to vocalize them. Yes, you have to say those words and sentences out loud. It does not matter if you find yourself silly doing it because it is a very effective way to master a foreign language and it will surely pay off. If at all possible, have a partner when you are starting to learn languages. Perhaps your husband or your wife or even a friend may become interested in joining you to learn languages. It is very easy to learn something when you have somebody to practice with. You can do the vocal exercises together and check on each other’s progress as you go along. The easiest way to learn languages will be optimized with a well enthused learner like yourself.
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