Vocabulary Learning Strategies

·Mnemonic Techniques
‘Mnemonic’ means ‘aiding memory’. Often referred to as ‘memory trick’, mnemonics work by developing a retrieval plan during encoding so that a word can be recalled through verbal and visual clues. Mnemonics help learners because they aid the integration of new material into existing cognitive structures and because they provide retrieve clues. Learners need to experiment with different kinds of mnemonics techniques to see which ones work best for them.

·Linguistic Mnemonics
The Peg Method
This method allows unrelated items, such as words in a word list, to be recalled by linking them with a set of memorized ‘peg or ‘hooks’. Learners associate words to be memorized with these ‘pegs’ to form composite images.

·The Keyword Method
It calls for the establishment of an acoustic and image link between an L2 word to be learned and a word in L2 that sounds similar. For instance, the German word Ei‘egg’ can be first learned by first establishing an acoustic link with the English word eye and then conjuring up an interactive image of an egg with an eye in the middle of it. Similarly, the Spanish word pan‘bread’ can be learned by imaging a loaf in a pan.

·Spatial Mnemonics
·The Loci Method
To use this ancient technique, one imagines a familiar location, such as a room. Then one mentally places the first item to be remembered in the first location, the second item in the second location, and so forth. To recall the items, one takes an imaginary walk along the landmarks in the room and retrieves the items that were ‘put’ there.

·Spatial Grouping
Rearrange words on a page to form different kinds of patterns such as triangles, squares, columns, and so on.

·The Finger Method
Associate each item to be learned with a finger.

·Visual Mnemonics
·Pictures
Pair pictures with words you need to learn, Studies have shown that this is an effective and efficient way to memorize vocabulary.

·Visualization
Instead of using real pictures, visualize a word you need to remember. This is much more effective than merely repeating the word.

·Physical Mnemonics
Physical enacting the information in a word or a sentence results in better recall than simple repetition. Several teaching techniques are based on physical re-enactment.

·Grouping
It is well known in psychology that if the material to be memorized is organized in the same fashion, learners can use this organization to their benefit. Groups the words you need to remember by color, size, function, likes/dislikes, good/bad, or any other feature that makes sense to you.

·Elaborating
Relate new words to others. For example, if you need to remember foreign language word for cat, think of word for dog. Alternatively, you can think of the super ordinate term animal.

·The Narrative Chain
Link words in a list together into a sentence or a story. By using the words and associating them with each other you create a firmer connection between the new words and those already stored in you memory.

·Semantic Mapping
Arrange the words into a diagram with the a key word at the top and related word as branches linked to the key word and to each other. YOU can practice this technique in a group.

·Self-Assessment
Practicing retrieval can improve long-term recall. In addition, you can find out what percentage of the material you retained with your study method and timing. If you are not satisfied with the results, try new techniques and/or spend more time on task.

·Personalization
No two people in the world have the same vocabulary because everybody has different interests and experiences. In addition to the vocabulary contained in your learning materials, you should make an effort to learn words in the foreign language that reflect your own interests and expertise.

Since you need to learn many thousands of words to become a component speaker of the language you are studying, it is a good idea to develop a plan for learning new words every day besides those included in your lessons. If you are a beginner, set up a schedule for learning numbers one day colors, the other, foods the third, and so on. You can also supplement the vocabulary in your textbook. For instance, if it gives the world for cold, learn the word for hot as well.

·Review
Even though your self-test revealed perfect recall, changes are that by the next day you will have forgotten part of the material. Unlike computers, human beings tend to forget over time. Therefore, one of the keys to successful language study is regular reviewing of previously lerned material.

·Space Practice
Spaced practice leads to better long-term recall. Long period of study are less helpful for long-term retention to foreign language learners than shorter but more frequent study period.

·Real-Life Practice
When material learned in one context is retrieved in another, memory performance tends to suffer. Military training, therefore, always includes practice under conditions that simulate those in the battlefield. Language skills learned in the highly familiar and safe cocoon of the classroom tend to disintegrate in the more stressful real-life communication conditions. Participation in real-life communicative situations during language training is a must. Seek out as many opportunities for real-life practice as your can possibly find. Try to use the material you have learned in real-life situations.