I’d like to address a few common challenges in language learning such as: “I can’t remember the words”, “I initially remembered the words but then forgot them” and “I learned the words, but when I try to use them in a conversation, they just won’t come out!” Do any of these sound familiar?
You might also feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of vocabulary you need to learn, almost as if you’re drowning in a sea of endless words. But you’re not alone. In this article I will help you lock those words into your memory, ready to be used whenever needed.
Memory is crucial for language learning, so let me share my experience of studying English in Japan. Despite being a linguist now, I must admit my short-term memory isn’t the best. When I was studying English in Japan, I struggled with memorising new words daily. Our teacher required us to learn 20 new English words each week and tested us on them. This challenge was daunting, but it led me to develop effective strategies to overcome it, and I’m eager to share those with you.
Tip 1: Engage with Japanese Every Day
Learning a language is similar to practising a musical instrument or a sport. It’s not just about cramming knowledge but also about practising and applying your skills consistently. Just as you would refine your abilities in an instrument or sport, mastering a language involves actively using your skills.
If you stop practising any skill for a while, you may lose some of your ability. The same applies to language learning. I used to play the piano every day as a child but stopped at 15, and now I can’t play at the same level. From my experience, regular study and practice are essential to prevent your knowledge and skills from fading. Try to engage with Japanese every day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes!
Tip 2: Create a Vocabulary Notebook
From teaching over a hundred students Japanese at a UK university, I’ve observed a common strategy among successful learners: keeping a dedicated notebook for new words. They bring their notebooks to class and jot down useful words and phrases immediately.
Having scattered notes can make reviewing them challenging. A vocabulary notebook simplifies review and reinforces new words and expressions. While apps are handy, handwriting can be more effective for memorising Japanese characters like Kanji and also improves your writing skills.
This method is similar to what I did as a student learning English. I had a heavy vocabulary textbook, so I wrote 20 words from it onto a small sheet of paper each week. I reviewed this paper whenever I had a free moment, which significantly helped with memorisation.
Tip 3: Associate Japanese Words with Familiar Sounds
When I first studied English at school in Japan, I found it difficult to memorise certain words like “take” and “bring.” They seemed similar in meaning but were used differently. I associated “take” with the Japanese sound “motteiku,” which helped me remember when to use each word.
One approach is to link new Japanese words with familiar sounds from your own language. For example, one of my students struggled with the Japanese word for ‘library’ (図書館, toshokan). I suggested she find a similar sound in her language. When I asked my husband, who doesn’t know Japanese, he suggested “Too shock Ann,” imagining Ann shocked by the many books. Sharing this with my student helped her remember the word.
Another example from my class: my Beginner students learned the word for “class” in Japanese, which is “kurasu.” Since this word is borrowed from English, it was not difficult for them to remember. As they were university students, I thought they should also learn the Japanese word for “lecture.” However, the textbook Genki didn’t include this word. So, I asked them,
“Would you like to know how to say ‘lecture’ in Japanese?” They all replied, “Yes!”
“Alright, here’s a quiz. Which type of dog did the late Queen love?” Some students answered, “Corgi!”
“That’s right.
Now, listen to this English sentence: ‘The corgi goes to a lecture.’ The Japanese word for ‘lecture’ is ‘kougi’!”
The students responded with “Wow!” and began using both “kurasu” and “kougi” correctly in various situations.
Tip 4: Create Simple Sentences Using What You’ve Learned
In my English classes in Japan, we studied many words and grammar points but rarely used them in sentences. This led to a disparity between my vocabulary and grammar skills and my speaking and writing abilities. To improve, I spent three months studying English in Canada in my 30s. The test there revealed the gap between my knowledge and practical use.
Memorising grammar and vocabulary is one thing, but applying them in communication is another. Regular practice in speaking and writing is crucial for moving words into long-term memory. Some ideas to help are:
- Recording yourself speaking can help you review pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. As an example you can describe your daily activities in Japanese.
- For writing, consider posting Japanese sentences on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), which has a large number of Japanese users! Engaging with native speakers through replies can provide valuable feedback and help you improve.
- If you don’t like using Twitter then maybe a diary with a very short entry each day could be a good alternative.
You will make mistakes but don’t worry about this instead these mistakes are how you learn and improve.
In Conclusion
Effective language learning extends beyond memorising vocabulary and grammar; it involves actively using and practising these skills. Just as with any practical skill, regular practice is key. Keeping a dedicated notebook for new words, using creative associations, and engaging with the language daily will greatly enhance your learning. Applying what you’ve learned in real contexts will build your confidence and fluency in Japanese. Keep practising, and remember, making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process!
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