How to Remember Vocabulary (Easily)

Summary

In this video, the presenter shares an effective technique for memorizing English vocabulary by using visualization and association. After testing this method on two lists of unfamiliar words, the technique yielded a 50% recall rate compared to just 12% without it. The method involves pairing a difficult word with a similar-sounding, easy-to-visualize word, and creating a vivid mental image or story that links the word’s meaning to the association. This technique is demonstrated through examples like 'adroit' and 'android,' and 'lambaste' and 'lamb.' Viewers are encouraged to practice the technique with a provided exercise.

Takeaways

• 😀 Using a specific memory technique can significantly improve vocabulary retention.
• 😀 The technique involves associating words with images or stories to help recall their meanings.
• 😀 A personal experiment showed that using the memory technique led to a 50% recall rate compared to only 12% without it.
• 😀 The technique is quick and effective, with just one minute spent memorizing each word.
• 😀 To apply the technique, find a similar-sounding word to the target word that is also easy to visualize.
• 😀 For example, 'adroit' (meaning skillful) can be remembered by associating it with 'android' (a robot).
• 😀 The visualized word or phrase should help create an image in your mind related to the meaning of the target word.
• 😀 The story or image you create should be vivid and connected to the word’s meaning to make the memory more effective.
• 😀 In the case of 'adroit', visualizing an android playing the guitar skillfully helps reinforce the meaning.
• 😀 Another example is the word 'lambaste' (meaning to criticize harshly), which can be memorized by visualizing a lamb playing the bass poorly and getting criticized.
• 😀 This method works by forming associations between pronunciation, visualization, and meaning, making it easier to recall words in the future.

Q & A

What is the main technique being discussed in the video?

The video discusses a technique to remember English vocabulary more effectively by associating unfamiliar words with similar-sounding words that can be visualized, and then creating a story or image linking the pronunciation with the meaning of the word.

What was the outcome of the small experiment conducted by the speaker?

The experiment involved two lists of unfamiliar words. Using the new technique for the second list, the speaker was able to recall 50% of the words the next day, compared to only 12% for the first list, where no technique was used.

Why is it important to choose words that can be visualized?

Choosing words that can be visualized is crucial because visualizing them creates a mental image that helps strengthen the association between the pronunciation and meaning, making it easier to recall the word later.

What is the meaning of the word 'adroit'?

'Adroit' means being skillful or clever at something, especially in a particular activity or task.

How does the speaker recommend associating the word 'adroit' with its meaning?

The speaker recommends associating 'adroit' with the word 'android' (a robot), and imagining an android playing the guitar skillfully, creating an image that connects the meaning of 'adroit' (skillful) to the visualization of the android.

What is the role of the visualization in this memorization technique?

Visualization plays a key role by helping the learner create a mental image that links the sound of the word to its meaning, making the word easier to recall through association.

What is the meaning of the word 'lambaste'?

'Lambaste' means to criticize someone or something harshly.

How does the speaker suggest visualizing the word 'lambaste'?

The speaker suggests associating 'lambaste' with a lamb playing the bass guitar. In the visualization, the lamb is bad at playing the bass, and the bass (the musical instrument) criticizes the lamb, which ties into the meaning of 'lambaste' (to criticize harshly).

What is the purpose of creating a story or image with substitute words?

The purpose is to form a strong mental connection between the word's sound and meaning. By creating a vivid story or image, the learner can recall the meaning of the word when they hear the pronunciation again.

How does this technique compare to pure repetition for memorization?

The technique is more effective than pure repetition, as demonstrated by the speaker's experiment. While repetition resulted in only 12% recall, using this visualization and association technique led to a 50% recall, highlighting its superior effectiveness.