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New way to learn vocabulary?
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February 02, 2008 01:21 PM PST

Hello everybody,

Today I wanted to talk about my ideas on increasing fluency (which in my opinion is about how easy you can use a language at a high level)

I wanted to tell you about a new idea I have had about building up vocabulary and fluency at the same time. I have a lot of trouble remembering words and I believe that everyone agrees that the secret to learning a language is knowing enough words and enough of the structure of the language (sometimes call rules of grammar)

Some languages have complex grammar (like German) and other languages have simpler grammar (like Mandarin Chinese)

Whichever language we learn, we need a knowledge of enough words and grammar to converse with others who speak the language. Of course other areas of language ability are important - such as pronunciation, but generally speaking, with some words and grammar and a reasonably understandable accent - most people could make themselves understood and understand what was being said to them. In English this is often called "get by".

Anyway, to explain my idea. If you were wanting to learn some new words, let's pick three unusual unrelated words:

A noun: condominium
An adjective: straightforward
A verb: perform

To remember these words, explain them with easy language by using a dictionary:

Condominium = apartment (or flat)
straightforward = easy
perform = carry something out, act/sing/dance

Make up a sentence and write it down:

Nothing is straightforward, there is not enough space in my condominium that I cannot perform my dance

change it...

I cannot perform my dance. I need to practice every day in my friend's condominium. Nothing is straightforward - as it is too small


Say the sentences out loud.. then see if you remember the words and their meaning a little later. If you can't easily remember them - read the sentences again and see if you can remember them later still.

I'm going to try this idea myself with learning new words in the languages I am learning. I'll let you know how it goes!

Maybe this way it will not take so long to build up a good amount of words in my head and become more fluent.

Take care and see you next time