How to Remember New Vocabulary in English

Summary

This video provides practical advice for English learners struggling to remember vocabulary. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using new words in everyday conversations to reinforce memory. He suggests creating a vocabulary list organized by topics, setting specific goals for conversations, and maintaining a realistic mindset about retention. The video also touches on the option of using flashcards, though the speaker prefers more natural learning methods. The key takeaway is that consistent practice and exposure are essential for mastering new vocabulary and improving language skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Consistent use of new vocabulary in conversation is key to remembering it. Without regular practice, words are easily forgotten.
• 😀 The more frequently you use a word in daily speech, the easier it is to retain it long-term. Simple words like 'hello' are remembered due to daily usage.
• 😀 Organizing vocabulary by topic (e.g., politics, music, nature) helps structure your learning and makes it easier to review and recall.
• 😀 Keep a personal vocabulary notebook where you write down unfamiliar words, along with their meanings and translations, to reinforce learning.
• 😀 Setting specific goals for each conversation can help you actively incorporate new words. For example, aim to use five new words in every conversation.
• 😀 Be patient with your learning process. Remember that you will likely forget new words initially, but repeated exposure will help you retain them.
• 😀 Learning vocabulary is a gradual process, and it's normal to forget words multiple times before fully remembering them.
• 😀 You might not remember a word immediately, but over time, you will encounter it repeatedly, which will help reinforce your memory.
• 😀 Flashcards are a useful tool for some learners. They can be physical or digital, helping you quiz yourself on vocabulary, but they are not the only way to learn.
• 😀 Practical conversation is the most effective way to learn and memorize new vocabulary. Active engagement in real-world communication strengthens retention.

Q & A

Why do people forget vocabulary they learn in English?

People often forget vocabulary because they don't use the words enough in conversation. If words aren't used regularly in speech or everyday situations, they are easily forgotten.

What is a key reason why basic words like 'hello' are not forgotten?

Basic words like 'hello' are not forgotten because they are used daily in conversations, making them easier to remember due to constant exposure.

What is one strategy for expanding vocabulary?

One strategy for expanding vocabulary is to create a list of new words. Write down words you encounter while reading, translating them into your native language, and organizing them into topics for easier review.

How can you use new vocabulary in conversation if you don't have a practice partner?

If you don't have a conversation partner, you can watch instructional videos on practicing speaking, or create a self-challenge where you aim to use new words in your next conversation.

What strategy did the speaker use when learning German?

The speaker used a strategy of setting goals in conversations to incorporate new vocabulary. They would select specific words to use in each conversation, treating it like a game where success was measured by how many new words were used.

How should you approach your mindset when learning new vocabulary?

You should be realistic about your expectations. It's normal to forget a word after seeing it once. It may take multiple encounters with a word before you fully remember and can use it confidently.

What should you do if you forget a word after seeing it once?

If you forget a word, don't get discouraged. It's normal. You may recognize it later and eventually be able to recall and use it correctly after seeing it multiple times.

What is one strategy that some students use to memorize vocabulary, though the speaker doesn't personally prefer it?

Some students use flashcards to memorize vocabulary. Flashcards have the word on one side and the definition on the other, allowing for quick review and self-testing.

What is the speaker's preferred method of learning vocabulary?

The speaker prefers a more natural way of learning vocabulary, which involves using the new words in conversations. This helps reinforce memory and improves communication skills.

What is the importance of using new vocabulary in real-world conversations?

Using new vocabulary in real-world conversations helps to reinforce the words in your memory and increases the chances of retaining and recalling them in future discussions.