The Secret of Mastering Vocabulary! [0]

When you study a new English word, how many times do you have to review it before you remember it? How many times do you need to read it before you can remember it a few weeks later?

It is very easy to study a new word or a new set of words. Those words will stay within your short-term memory for a few minutes, but it takes real effort and effective study to move those words into your long-term memory.

So, how can you tell that you've studied a word enough?
If you are having a conversation in English and the words comes to your speech naturally (even if you have to think for a moment) then congratulations! The word has entered your long term memory and can be retrieved for actual in-context use.

Vocabulary study is one of the most common methods that students study English. In Japan, many brands of vocabulary books contain lists and lists of words printed in red ink. Using the included transparent red screen, students drill themselves on their English vocabulary as a way to force themselves to learn.

But how effective is this method of study? Can a student aquire hundreds of English words simply by memorizing them?

My answer is: No!

The brain does not hold on to words well through simple memorization. In my experience and study, language students aquire new vocabulary words the easiest through tangible memories, narrative use, visual cues, and in-context practice.

I have compiled all of my advice for learning vocabulary into 4 basic approaches. Over the next few weeks I will go over each one in following columns.

1. You read the same word several times in a novel, comic book, or video game.
2. You use compelled retrieval while in a natural setting.
3. You associate a word with a certain narrative moment or memory, such as through visual flashcards from a TV drama or movie.
4. You employ mnemonics (I know it's a scary word!) to help you remember vocabulary through rhymes, jokes, or visual cues.

Please follow me for more English advice, and consider signing up for a lesson with me. I'm sure we can help you improve your English together :)

Words from this article
Long-term memory:　長期記憶
Short-term memory:　短期記憶
In-context use:　正しい場での使用
Memorize: 暗記
Tangible memories:　単語に関わる具体的な記憶
Narrative use:　物語中の使用
Visual cues:　視覚的なきっかけ
In-context practice:　その場での練習
Compile:　まとめる
Approach: 方法、接し方
Compelled retrieval：　覚えさせる方法
Natural setting:　自然な背景、生な瞬間で
Mnemonics:　記憶法、記憶術

English	Native
Japanese	Fluent
Chinese	Just a few words

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