Is memorization all about flashcards?
The end goal of being fluent in a particular language is to be able to converse easily, read books, and preferably, to think in that language without translating every word. Right now, when I recognize a word in Swedish, my mind wanders down a path:
ett frimärke > ok, I know this one > STAMP! that’s it! a stamp >
Occasionally, this is shortened a bit and, luckily, a few phrases have sunk in so that I don’t have to think, “Tack .. tack means thank you.” The biggest problem with translating, is the pause during which the brain has to sort through its stored information and return the correct meaning to you. This is when you can easily to miss the rest of the sentence and miss something key to comprehending what is being said. So how do you get from translation to fluency?
Before fluency comes memorization.
Initially, it is necessary to memorize words and their meanings. Later, one must memorize conjugations in the case of verbs and for nouns, their gender. So, how do you memorize?
Currently, I am using a multi-pronged approach. My learning tools are a book, corresponding audio files, a dictionary, and a workbook. In addition, I have been using index cards and lots of good old fashioned notebook paper.
The textbook was created for immigrants leaning Swedish. Because not everyone speaks English (or French, etc) there are no translations in the book – only text and illustrations. These are very simple at first:
Jane: Jag heter Jane. Vad heter du?
Dick: Jag heter Dick.
Even without the illustration, it is pretty easy to figure out the gist. Jane introduces herself, and asks what the other person’s name is. He is called Dick.
My Memorization Process
Step One :: Try and get the gist of the text by looking at the illustrations in the book. Try to guess the meanings of words by their similarities to other languages.
Step Two :: Look up the meanings of the words you can’t guess. For additional clarification, look up the meanings of the words you guessed to see how close you are. I write these words down on index cards and add additional information if it is relevant. In Swedish, the nouns are either en or ett words and this determines how adjectives are used with them. It makes sense then for me to write down ett glas and en bok so that I memorize both the meaning and the en eller ett association.
Step Three :: Listen to the corresponding audio file while reading the text. Most of the audio files are read through then ask the listener to listen and repeat. I go through this at least 3 times when practicing. If I am able to listen at least once a day after that, then by the next week the text is easy.
Step Four :: Listen to the corresponding audiofiles while not looking at the book. All of a sudden things sound different and some subtle meaning can be lost. As a visual learner, I often realize how much I rely on the look of the word to determine its meaning. I listen until I can hear and repeat the individual words and “hear” their meaning. Doing this while traveling back and forth to work makes the commute much nicer.
Step Five :: I have a hard time remembering certain words and conjugations. Since each chapter (in almost every language book I’ve ever seen) groups the chapter into topics like food, travel, or clothing, I pretend I’m in first grade learning English. We were always given a word list and told to write out each word 10 times. While this can lead to writers cramp since we often have a longer word list than I did back then, it really helps. I try to envision what the word means and not just think pratar = talk. Instead of translating the word, I just know what it means without brain lag.
Reader Suggestions?
Are you learning a new language? a master thespian? memorize poems for fun? How do you memorize words and phrases? I would love to hear about others’ tips and tricks for memorization!
