Any learning approach that aids in the retention or retrieval of information in human memory is referred to as a mnemonic device, also known as a memory device. Learn these 4 simple mnemonics.
What are mnemonics?
Any learning approach that aids in the retention or retrieval (remembering) of information in human memory is referred to as a mnemonic device, also known as a memory device. The employment of specific methods like elaborative encoding, retrieval cues, and imagery in mnemonics allows for the efficient encoding and storage of any given information.
Mnemonics facilitate the connection of original material with something more understandable or significant, which improves information retention.
A mnemonic, in its simplest form, is a device that helps with memory retention of specific information or large amounts of data. They may be expressed as a rhyme, song, acronym, image, phrase, or complete statement.
Mnemonics help with memory recall and are especially useful when understanding the sequence of events is important.
French idioms, sayings, proverbs, quotations, and even French swear words may help with word memory because of the emotional response they create. They can help with vocabulary retention when learning a foreign language.
4 Mnemonics: and never shall we forget it!
You must associate new knowledge with mental imagery that adheres to the principles of exaggeration, movement, unexpected association, and emotional involvement for it to stick in your memory. In our case, that would be basic French phrases, common French nouns, and French numerals.
Mnemonic 1: learn foreign words through exaggeration
One general rule of thumb when using mnemonics is that the weirder the visualization, the more likely it is that it will stick with you. This is why making things enormously large, giving inanimate objects faces, making your images act in highly absurd ways, or forcing your images to defy physical laws all work to your advantage.
Any object that, if seen in person, would leave a lasting impression on you is a good choice for imprinting an image in your memory. Think about things on a strange scale. Attention is drawn to someone who is 200 kg and 3 meters tall.
Swear words could potentially help the reader remember a sentence!
Mnemonic 2: learn foreign words through movement
Including movement or action in your photos can help the things you’re trying to remember flow together. We have evolved to be more aware of moving objects, which helps us recognize danger.
In a room full of seated pupils, one student will stick out and attract everyone’s attention. You can stack objects on top of one another, crash them together, combine images, wrap objects around one another, spin objects around one another, or make objects dance.
Mnemonic 3: learn foreign words through the unusual association
An unusual or out-of-place element in your photos helps people remember them better. Combine two items or circumstances that came from different environments. A man clutches a satellite dish like an umbrella in the rain. Your thoughts will be captured.
Take a moment to picture Egypt in your mind’s eye now. Are you having issues? France, how about it? You probably did much better with France because at some point you realized it was shaped like a boot. You had made a connection with something you had already known.
Use all of your senses to disguise an image or encode information. Remember that in addition to images, your mnemonic can also include sounds, smells, tastes, touch, movements, and feelings.
Mnemonic 4: learn foreign words through emotional involvement
The most successful method of learning is probably one that involves emotional connection. We retain news that has an impact on us for a very long period, if not forever. The passing of a close friend, the tune from your first date, or an earthquake
By picturing people, things, and familiar places, it is possible to duplicate this experience in real life. When I’m around individuals I like or in stimulating environments, I pick up words more quickly. I can remember who taught me those words and when they were taught to me.
The brain stores the essential information, as well as everything else it thinks, is important at the time (the circumstances). These concepts’ associations with mental images help the brain transfer information from short-term to long-term memory.
I utilize these concepts to help me express and write memorable sentences when I practice conversation or write compositions.
For instance, one of my earliest Korean phrases was, “Where is the dog? It’s in the laundry right now.” Turn false friends (words with identical spelling and sound but different meanings in two languages) into true friends: the French word “burro” denotes “donkey,” while the French word “burro” denotes “butter.” Imagine a donkey hauling a huge loaf of butter.
Play around with sounds to create crazy pictures. This is true for words on your tongue as well. French for “carrying, bearing” is “portamento.”
The French words “mento” and “portare” both mean “to carry” (this is not the etymology). Think about how you carry your chin. Rude or sexual rhymes are hard to forget, and they make it even harder to recall foreign words that aren’t rude or sexual!
Ask an expert
Why not ask a professional for help on the best memory-improving methods? Anthony Metivier, a memory specialist, developed the Magnetic Memory Method. He writes about his memory techniques on his blog, which include:
- Acronyms
- Memory Palace Technique
- Linking, Associative Imagery, and Pegwords
- The Story Approach
- Major System and the Dominican System
- A mind map
The trick to remembering names
Words are best learned when they are used in sentences or narratives, like those offered by Leggi Con Me and Ripeti Con Me.
Given that not every word we wish to learn requires 30 Ripeti Con Me lines to completely drill it into our brains, here are some suggestions on how to supplement Ripeti Con Me using dictionaries and memory aides (and if we want to finish the program within our lifetimes).
I use Reverso to view new words in various contexts when I come across one that I wish to learn. I then make an effort to recall it in a lively and engaging manner.
I saw my zio (uncle) as a lazy, idle man lounging in a hammock whenever I wished to remember the word “ozioso” (idle). (It doesn’t matter that he isn’t idle; as soon as I had that mental picture, the word ozioso stuck in my head.)
This idea came from a memory book I once read, which said that creating pretty ludicrous mental representations is the key to remembering things like names, languages, grocery lists, and other things.
When you truly “own” a term, the absurd mental picture vanishes (probably). If you have any further tips for making words stick, kindly leave a comment.
Repetition helps to memorize foreign words
You want to be able to recall where in your long-term memory a quick review is necessary to safely store everything. Try to review the associations you made for particular things throughout the next few days at least once a day.
Consider using the phrases to build sentences or include them in your next conversation or presentation rather than just repeating them.
Eventually, you’ll only remember the information and forget the images. Are you worried about the unusual sights that keep appearing in your head and how they can affect your sanity in the long run? Don’t worry about it. Recollection specialists and psychologists concur that your memory can never be fully utilized.
When the information is no longer needed, appointments and the associations and thoughts you come up with for them will naturally be forgotten.
Keep in mind that getting a good night’s sleep will aid in your brain’s ability to process new knowledge. To assist you to increase the capacity of your brain, I can recommend the best nootropics for language acquisition.
By the way, find out why I don’t use flashcards to help me remember the most common terms if you were considering doing the same. And use the words you learn rather than merely memorizing them. It is useless.