How to Memorize Words in a Foreign Language by Amber Wilson

While learning a new language is always good for you, it can turn out to be a daunting task. Sometimes it feels like there are just too many words and they seem to go in in one ear and out the other.

So, what can you do to make those words to stick to your mind?

Professional dissertation writer Joanna Satchett says that concentration is key to learning new words and phrases. 

Here are some interesting ways and useful techniques that can help you boost your memory and become the polyglot you always wished to be. 

Music

It might sound like a bad idea to listen to music while trying to concentrate. However, it all depends on what type of music will you listen while you study.

It is scientifically proven that certain kinds of music may send you into a state of meditation and relax your brain that way which will help you concentrate and stay focused. The important thing with this technique is that you listen to instrumental music at a reasonable volume. Classical music is one of the best genres for this.

Nutrition

Another scientific fact is that some foods can have a good influence on your mental state and improve your brain functions.

Nuts are great for improving concentration. It doesn’t matter which ones you prefer they are rich in omega-3, zinc, and iron, which will help you concentrate and memorize those foreign words and phrases. A handful should be enough.

Caffeine is also good for concentration. It enhances certain memories and its effects  can last for up to 24 hours. This can  help you spend more time studying. Caffeine also has a calming effect on your mood which will make you more enthusiastic towards studying.

If you don't like coffee, don't worry, there are plenty of products containing caffeine like black tea or dark chocolate.

Interesting fonts

You should use unusual fonts when printing your study material. If you make words you're trying to learn harder to read, you'll make them more memorable. Try using different fonts or colors and make these words bigger than the rest of the text.

Mental Associations

This technique requires from you to make mental associations to the words you wish to learn by using images or other words. For example, draw a simple picture of a house or your street and on every object on that picture you can write a word that is used for it in a foreign language. This can make the words far more memorable.

You should take time to learn vocabulary as it's a crucial part of understanding foreign languages. These techniques should  improve your concentration and help you study. Whether you are a college student, an interpreter or just willing to learn a new language, improving your concentration will pay dividends next time you study.

Amber Wilson is a content strategist and a technical writer with more than 10-year experience as a thesis editor. She is an expert in educational technologies and game-based learning.