The script of the video:
Introduction
Hello everyone! Today, I’ll share how I learn new words and how you can do it too. This method is quite unusual, and I’m sure you’ve already heard of the association technique. Many people know about it, some have tried it, but perhaps it didn’t work for you: either because you approached it incorrectly, or you gave up after a few failed attempts.
In this video, I will:
• Explain the main details of the method.
• Practice with you by learning some words.
• Discuss common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Ready? Let’s begin!
Motivation: Why You Shouldn’t Give Up
Before we dive into the details, let’s remember something important: we are all human, and learning something new takes time. You’ll make mistakes. You may compare yourself to others who are doing better, but stop comparing!
Everyone learns at their own pace. You don’t know how much time or effort someone else has put in.
Imagine a child learning to walk. They fall again and again. If they thought, “Walking isn’t for me, I’ve failed so many times already!”, they would never learn to walk. But children don’t give up. They try again and again. So why shouldn’t we be just as persistent?
The Method of Associations
When we memorize information, about 70% is stored in short-term memory, while only 30% transfers to long-term memory. That’s why repetition at intervals is crucial. The more you repeat, the better the information is retained and the longer it stays in your memory.
Visualizing is also important because our brains process images faster than abstract concepts.
Simple Steps for Visualization:
1. Imagine a specific object (e.g., house, cat, bottle of water).
2. When connecting two objects (e.g., fly and elephant), their images should be the same size or scale. Imagine an elephant the size of a fly or vice versa.
Common Mistakes in Associations:
1. You imagined two objects but didn’t link them together in one picture.
2. You created a complex story, but it was too hard to remember.
3. You didn’t create a clear visual image, got distracted, or didn’t fully understand the word.
Tip:
Start with simple, concrete words that are easy to visualize. Once you’ve learned 2,000–3,000 basic words, move on to abstract concepts like emotions or states.
Miller’s Law
Miller’s Law states that a person can hold five to nine items in memory at once. In today’s world, with constant distractions (like smartphones), this number may drop to five.
Rules for Using the Method:
1. Encode words based on how they sound, not how they are written. Focus on the pronunciation to avoid phonetic errors.
2. If you can’t create an association within 10 seconds, skip the word and return to it later.
3. For long words, focus on their beginning. Don’t distort or alter the letters.
Example:
• The word “木 (Ki)” – Tree, Wood
• Association: Key (a key)
Practice: Let’s Learn Some Japanese Words Together!
Flashcards and Repetition
I prefer using paper flashcards:
• On one side, I write the word in the target language.
• On the other side, I write the translation in my native language.
I say the word out loud several times to reinforce its sound. I organize my flashcards into groups of 15, 21, 27, or 45 words, depending on how many I want to learn at a time.
Repetition is key. Especially in the beginning, when words are quickly forgotten. Use the words in sentences or while writing texts, or find videos that include these words to reinforce your learning.
Conclusion
This method isn’t a magic solution; it’s a tool that takes time and practice. Personally, I use it during specific periods when I want to learn a lot of words. After that, I focus on using them in practice.
Don’t overload yourself. Without repetition, words will fade. Connect new information to what you already know, and your brain will remember it better.
If you enjoyed this, share your thoughts or results in the comments. Thank you for watching!
📌Timing:
00:00 intro
03:03 motivation
06:17 why it didn’t work for you
07:14 Ebbinghaus forgetting curve
08:18 simple steps for visualisation
08:36 about size in visualisation
10:14 common mistakes in association
12:40 tip 1
13:55 rules for using the method
14:36 let's try this in practice
19:41 flesh-cards
20:19 Miller’s Law
20:31 about repetition
20:29 My personal feedback about the method
24:49 recap (some addition)
27:06 a list of words you can practice this method on
27:11 the words we learned together today
#languagelearning #howtolearnenglish #howtolearn #howto #words #polyglot #foreignlanguage #study #studymotivation #studywithme #studytips #studyabroad #motivation #motivationalvideo #learnvocabulary #vocabulary #learningtips #education