Learning a new language can sometimes be difficult. Students of all levels can have difficulty memorising new vocabulary and grammar. If you don’t practice it a lot, you will soon forget the new words and systems you learn. So how do you memorise what you have learned?

Language learner memory

The language Learner blog presents you 7 techniques to memorise a language fast.

There are many different ways that language students can improve memory. Practice is definitely important, across reading, writing, and speaking. However, there are also other ways in which you can try to memorise a language. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best ways to memorise new words, phrases, and grammar points. By using these ideas in your language learning, you will hopefully be able to improve your memory and language ability.

Beginners of a language need about 120 basic words in order to have a simple conversation. This doesn’t seem like a lot, but it can be difficult to separate the different words. This is particularly true for adults. Younger learners are shown to learn a second language faster than older learners.  This doesn’t mean it’s impossible for older learners however. With the right techniques, it’s possible for adults to successfully learn a new language.

Below are some of the best language learner tips for memorising what you have learned:

1. Learn common words

Above, we mentioned that to have a basic conversation you need to know around 120 words. By the time you know 300 of the most common words, you will know about 65% of all the words you’ll use on a regular basis. Because of this, it’s recommended that you try to memorise the 300 most common words in the language you’re trying to learn. To do this, you should try to learn small numbers of words in each lesson, using spaced repetition.

To reach a good conversational level you will need 1000-3000 words. If you want to reach an advanced level, it is around 4000-10000 words. This seems like a lot, but if you follow the steps below and practice every day, you will soon learn.

2. Practice every day

Practicing your new language every day is very important. There are many way that you can do this. Some students enjoy reading books in another language. Reading a few pages each day can help language students become familiar with new vocabulary. Other useful reading sources include news websites and blogs. These will use common words and help students get used to different styles of writing.

Studies have shown that practicing using spaced repetition is a good way of memorising new knowledge. Using flash cards or an app allows students to see newly learned words and grammar and attempt to translate them. If you get them correct, you move onto the next item and practice it again in a few days. If you get it wrong, you practice again the same day. Set a time each day where you can practice: language learning should be part of your daily routine.

Language learning

3. Group words together

Practicing your new language every day is very important. There are many way that you can do this. Some students enjoy reading books in another language. Reading a few pages each day can help language students become familiar with new vocabulary. Other useful reading sources include news websites and blogs. These will use common words and help students get used to different styles of writing.

Studies have shown that practicing using spaced repetition is a good way of memorising new knowledge. Using flash cards or an app allows students to see newly learned words and grammar and attempt to translate them. If you get them correct, you move onto the next item and practice it again in a few days. If you get it wrong, you practice again the same day. Set a time each day where you can practice: language learning should be part of your daily routine.

How to memorise English

4. Learn parts of words

The more words you know, the easier it is to understand other words. This is because language is often made up of similar parts. Try to learn these parts of words when you’re studying. Many starting and ending parts of words (prefixes and suffixes) mean the same thing. For example, the –ing suffix in English means the word is a verb; you are doing something. The mis- prefix means something is wrong; you are mistaken.

Knowing these prefixes and suffixes means you can see different patterns. This allows students to understand what a word might mean, even if they haven’t learned the word before. In English, verbs, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs usually have different suffixes.

5. Use what you have learned

One of the best ways to memorise language that you’ve learned is to use it. The Language Learner already mentioned the importance of practicing, but you also need to use language in a real environment. This could mean speaking to lots of people in your second language, messaging people, or reading a menu and ordering in a foreign country. This allows students to see which parts of the language they know, and which they don’t.

Many new learners find it hard to overcome their nervousness with a new language. However, with practice you will become more comfortable. Everyone makes mistakes when they are learning, and it can help you remember more if you make them. Usually, native speakers are patient with people who are trying to speak their language. That is why the conversation lessons I organise are so effective.

6. Use words, pictures, and gestures

One useful way of memorising new languages is to use mnemonics. These are short ‘stories’ that help you remember a word, phrase, or grammar point. You can use these in addition to flash cards with pictures, or even gestures. Your brain is quick to make associations. Creating these associations when you’re learning a new language can help you remember it.

If it’s vocabulary you’re learning, imagine the word in your mind as you’re learning it. Say it out loud as you’re imagining. This will help you make the connection between word and concept in your mind.

How to memorise a language

7. Avoid opposites

We’ve mentioned that you should try and learn words in groups. However, try not to learn opposites at the same time. For example, the words for hot and cold are very different in English. But if you learn them together, you will create an association. This makes it harder for you to separate the two words and their meanings when you are speaking or writing. If you want to memorise meanings, you should create patterns where you learn similar words one day, and their opposites another day.

Language learner tricks: how to memorise a language: review

There are many ways that students of language can remember what they have learned. Techniques such as spaced repetition and daily practice will help with memory. Other methods, including grouping words and learning common phrases mean that you can have more focus with your learning. Try not to confuse your studies by practicing opposites at the same time however.

Pictures, gestures, and stories are useful tools for memorising language. Ultimately, practicing reading, writing, and speaking, every day is the best way to language success.

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