I’m reading: “Fluent Forever“, which you can get on Amazon here.
- The biggest battle we have is that we forget.
- If we learn new words, phone numbers, etc., we might forget 70% the next day.
How to improve our memory?
- Our brain and memory works by associations with each other
- Use concepts as images of words when making flashcards, not translations in English, it’s much easier to remember, and more fun. Words are too dry.
一只猫 Yī zhǐ māo
- It’s even better to use a series of concepts together in an image, so it can make a connection.
- Make a personal connection to it. You can learn 50% more easily. Tie it to a memory is even better.
- Drawing the image is even easier.
How to remember names of new people? It’s the same
- Create word associations with them. For example Edward, think edward scissorhands and imagine him with scissors.
Don’t overlearn – just repeatedly try learning the same thing.
Recall is better than review.
How do we forget?
Here is a graph of how you forget normally Vs with recall
Spaced Recognition Systems
That’s why its so important to do recall and use spaced recognition such as Anki or create your own using flashcards.
The card construction process is one of the most fun and satisfying ways to learn a language. Content in the knowledge that every detail will become a permanent memory, you become the architect of your own mind.
You shouldn’t just buy flashcards or download an anki deck. The creation of flashcards is an important way to learn it and it doesn’t take much time. Searching online for the image also helps you see what the options are, and helps understand the word better. If you don’t fully understand the meaning of the words then it becomes hard.
Creating your own deck is the most effective way to learn a complex subject. Subjects like languages and the sciences can’t be understood by memorizing facts – they require explanation and context to learn effectively. Furthermore, inputting the information yourself forces you to decide what the key points are and leads to better understanding”
Damian Elmes, creator of Anki:
And it’s also fun too.
Planning Time
You need time to create the flashcards, and review them.
Aim for 15-30 cards each day. (Don’t do too many because you will also need time to review them later.
Pronounciation
Practice sounds that sound similar in that language, so you can get used to it.
It’s really important to spend time to get good at the accent by watching youtube videos / practice a few words so they are awesome at least.
Learn accent first – it’s harder to fix later.
– Learn how the muscles in a mouth move.
Learn IPA spelling which makes things more simple.
When you get to a complicated word, start pronouncing them from the back. The last syllable first, then move back.
Some good resources
Some good resources for language learning:
– Foreign Service Institute – some good courses – https://www.fsi-language-courses.org/
– Forvo – good for pronounciation samples www.forvo.com
