Mastering English Vocabulary: A Strategy for Effective and Long-Term Learning

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Remembering English words can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques, it can become a manageable and engaging process. One such technique, based on Ebbinghaus' research, is the interval repetition method. This involves revisiting new words and phrases at specific time intervals to enhance retention and long-term memory.

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What is Interval Repetition?

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Interval repetition is a method of repeatedly reviewing information over a period of time. The core idea is to review material just before it's about to be forgotten. Dr. Herman Ebbinghaus, a German psychologist, discovered that the forgetting curve decreases significantly after each interval review. Using this technique, you can optimize your revision schedule to remember new words and phrases for a long time.

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How Does It Work?

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For example, after learning a new phrase, you should revise it in 20 minutes, then in 8 hours, then in 1 day, then in 5 days, and then in 25 days. This pattern of review helps to reinforce the memory and make the words stick in your long-term memory.

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Several mobile applications leverage this technique to help users remember English words long-term. One such app is Lingain, which uses interval repetition to enhance vocabulary retention.

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Connecting Words with Emotions

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Another powerful technique for learning and retaining new words is to connect them with your emotions and personal experiences. By associating the meanings of new words with your own life events, you can create a deeper and more lasting memory.

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Example: Mastering the Word "Trifling"

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Say you want to learn the meaning of the word trifling. The dictionary defines it as trivial, small as not important, frivolous, or shallow.

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How to Connect the Word with Your Emotions:

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Think back to a time when you felt unimportant and overlooked, perhaps when you were a child and your crush didn't pay you much attention. Remember the feeling of being trivial or frivolous. By associating the word with that specific emotional experience, you can create a strong memory.

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Next time you hear or read the word "trifling," you will instantly conjure that feeling from your past, which will help you recall its definition.

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Why Connect Words with Emotions?

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Connecting new words with emotions has several benefits:

r r r Emotional Relevance: Emotions are deeply ingrained in our memories, making them more memorable than abstract concepts.r Personal Connection: Relating words to personal experiences makes them more relatable and easier to recall.r Nostalgia: Recalling past events can activate positive emotions, which can aid in the recall process.r r r

Conclusion

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Leveraging interval repetition and emotion-based learning can significantly enhance your vocabulary retention and overall language proficiency. By systematically reviewing new words and connecting them to meaningful personal experiences, you can make the learning process more effective and enjoyable. Give it a try and see the difference it can make in your language skills.

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