We all would love to memorize everything we learn forever. Unfortunately, the human brain does not work this way. It is a normal mechanism to forget learning content that we do not use for some time. This strategy helps us separate the important from the unimportant. Language learners are familiar with this problem. New vocabulary is learned quickly — and vanishes quickly during a study break.
What are good strategies to maintain a rich vocabulary in a foreign language?
A method that has proven itself for decades is known as spaced repetition. Words are reviewed multiple times while increasing the time span between each review. This approach has led to the well known flash card system or Leitner system. Nevertheless, it is true also for this method that learning content can not be burned into ones brain forever. The frustration sets in when the student returns to his flash card system after a lengthy study break — it simply does not represent the learner’s proficiency anymore.
Two practical tips to build vocabulary
(1) Strive for continuity in your learning. A good way to do so is making friends with native speakers of the language you learn. It is easy nowadays to find pen pals or tandem learning partners on the internet. Furthermore, make sure to use newly acquired words in your everyday life — at least in mind. When sitting in the train, in the restaurant or at home having breakfast, look around and try to name objects or describe persons with your fresh vocabulary. Applying words in changing contexts strengthens your word retention.
(2) Utilize learning software that takes into account your natural tendency to forget. Advanced algorithms can help you quickly refresh vocabulary after a longer study break, when many words have already fallen into oblivion.
With perseverance and innovative tools you will outwit oblivion and maintain a rich vocabulary in the foreign language you learn.
Dr. Marc Busch developed an efficient learning system that helps language learners worldwide build a rich vocabulary. Learn more about it at http://comprehencia.com and test it for free. Also visit Dr. Busch’s blog on efficient language learning for more information and tutorial videos.
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