I Learned 21,506 Words in 2 Years With My Secret Vocab Learning Hack!

Summary

This video script discusses the struggle of memorizing foreign language vocabulary and introduces the concept of mnemonics as a powerful technique to enhance memorization. The speaker shares historical context about Lambert Schenkel, a 16th-century teacher known for his exceptional memory, and provides examples of mnemonic imagery to remember words in Arabic, Japanese, and Sanskrit. The script emphasizes the effectiveness of this method, as illustrated by the speaker's own experience of learning over 21,000 words across multiple languages. It concludes with a quiz to reinforce the learned mnemonics and encourages viewers to subscribe for more language learning tips.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses the common struggle of forgetting foreign language vocabulary despite repeated exposure and attempts to memorize.
• 🔍 It introduces a method of remembering vocabulary effectively to avoid the need for constant re-lookup of words.
• 🧙‍♂️ The script mentions Lambert Schenkel, a 16th-century teacher of mnemonics, who was so adept at memorization that he was accused of sorcery.
• 🎓 The importance of mastering mnemonic techniques is emphasized, suggesting that it can make one appear like a 'wizard' in their ability to remember information.
• 🗣️ The speaker shares their personal goal of memorizing 30,000 words in a foreign language to achieve a deep understanding similar to one's native language.
• 🤔 The script challenges common beliefs about the number of words needed for fluency, suggesting that 30,000 words might be a more realistic target for true language mastery.
• 🔑 An example of mnemonics is given using acronyms (USA, FBI, NHL) to demonstrate how familiar associations can aid in memorization.
• 🌐 The script provides real-life examples of using mnemonics to remember foreign words by creating vivid and memorable images, such as imagining a galloping knight for the Arabic word 'galaba'.
• 🤖 It mentions the use of AI (Chat GPT) to assist in creating mnemonic images for those who may not consider themselves creative in devising their own memory aids.
• 📈 The speaker shares their own success with mnemonics, having learned over 21,000 words in various languages, highlighting the effectiveness of this technique.
• 📚 The script concludes with a quiz to reinforce the memorized words and emphasizes the power of mnemonics in language learning.

Q & A

What is the common issue the video script addresses regarding learning a foreign language?

The script discusses the frustration of repeatedly looking up a foreign language word and still being unable to remember its meaning, even after multiple encounters and reviews.

What method is suggested in the script to improve memorization skills for vocabulary learning?

The script suggests using mnemonics, a technique that involves creating associations and stories to remember information more effectively.

Who is Lambert Schenkel and what is his significance in the script?

Lambert Schenkel was a 16th-century teacher who traveled around Europe teaching mnemonics. His mastery of memorization was so impressive that he was denounced as a sorcerer, illustrating the power of mnemonic techniques.

What is the approximate number of words one should aim to learn to be proficient in a foreign language according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that to be proficient in a foreign language, one should aim to learn at least 30,000 words, as this would allow for a deep understanding similar to one's native language.

How does the script use acronyms to illustrate the concept of mnemonics?

The script uses acronyms like USA, FBI, and NHL to show that connecting new information to familiar concepts can make it easier to remember.

What is the first foreign language word and its meaning provided in the script?

The first word is 'galaba' from Arabic, which means 'overcoming' or 'overcame' in the past tense.

How does the script suggest remembering the Arabic word 'galaba'?

The script suggests envisioning a knight galloping with gloves, which sounds similar to 'galaba', and overcoming a wall by jumping over it.

What is the Japanese word for 'truth' or 'real situation' mentioned in the script?

The Japanese word for 'truth' or 'real situation' is 'Shino'.

How is the Japanese word 'Shino' memorized using mnemonics in the script?

The script suggests imagining a shining soul emerging from darkness to reveal the truth or real situation, which helps to remember the word 'Shino'.

What is the Sanskrit word for 'distressed' and the mnemonic image used to remember it?

The Sanskrit word for 'distressed' is 'viava', and the mnemonic image is a weak lover with a drooping flower, symbolizing distress.

How many words has the speaker reportedly learned using mnemonics over the past two years?

The speaker has learned at least 21,056 words in various languages using mnemonics over the past two years.

What is the speaker's approach to language learning besides focusing on vocabulary memorization?

The speaker also spends time reading and conversing with native speakers to enjoy the languages and not just focus on memorizing words.

How does the script encourage viewers to use chat GPT for creating mnemonic stories?

The script demonstrates that even if one is not creative or good at coming up with mnemonic stories, they can use chat GPT to generate visual mnemonics to help memorize vocabulary.