Decided to learn the language? What prevents to just open the dictionary and learn all the words in a row? Correctly, without associations and repetition, you will not learn anything – there will be a mishmash of words in your head, and from some of them there will be no trace.
There is one simple technique related to the use of cards, associations and the correct selection of words, which allows you to learn 100 or more words a day, quickly learn the basics of the language and increase your vocabulary. This technique is presented in the free application for iOS and Android “Uchisto”.
In it, you can easily learn the words by the suggested method of memorization, and track your progress, and set reminders for repeating the material already studied. But first things first.
Method of paper cards
With the help of paper cards, more than one generation of translators increases their vocabulary in record time. This seemingly simple technique is based on the very mechanism of memorization, the use of short-term and long-term memory.
The student has a deck of cards, on each side of which a foreign word is written, and on the second – a translation. He flips through these cards, pronouncing foreign words and memorizing the translation. If the word is remembered – it puts the card aside, if not – removes the decks down to be repeated later.
After memorizing all words, the cards are put aside, and after a certain period of time (a week or a month) they are repeated again.
Initially, the learned word falls into short-term memory, and after the cards are put aside, it is quickly forgotten. But then it turns out that the third information came in handy and instead of short-term memory the learned words get into the long-term. In other words, they are firmly remembered.
Like paper cards, only better
In the application “Uchisto” this method of cards is fully realized. You can turn them around, read a new word in English and its transcription, and on the reverse side – a translation.
You can save learned cards aside by clicking on “Learned”, or leave them for repetition, simply by swiping with a swift. In addition, you can change the settings and learn the words, translating from Russian into English.
After studying each dictionary, the “Check after 30 days” timer is automatically set so that you periodically pass tests and do not forget the material you have covered.
As you can see, the methodology of cards is fully implemented in the application, however, unlike real cardboards, learning the words in “Uchisto” is much more convenient for several reasons.
Firstly, on each card there is not only a transcription, but also an audio icon, clicking on which you listen to the correct pronunciation of the word in English. Thus, the application partially replaces the teacher.
Secondly, you can edit the translation of words by adding notes about your associations with the word. The method of associations helps to memorize words even better and from the first time transfer them to long-term memory.
Association and the full methodology of “Uchisto”
A word that is not related to familiar images is easily forgotten. The brain simply did not build a neural connection for this word, it is not associated with anything and instantly disappears from your memory.
To remember a word, you need to associate it with already familiar objects and concepts. For example, you get the word challenge, which means “problem” in translation.
You imagine a NASA spacecraft “Challenger” and a catastrophe that resulted in the death of the entire shuttle team. This was a strong blow to the reputation of the United States, a colossal monetary loss and a real PROBLEM.
So, an unfamiliar word is connected in your brain: challenge = Disaster of the shuttle “Challenger” → a serious problem. You built an association, new neural connections appeared in your brain, and now you can easily remember what this word means.
When you come up with a vivid association, associating a word with a translation, do not rush to press the “Learned” button. First, repeat the word aloud five times, presenting your picture at that time. By the way, for associations advise to present something funny and ridiculous – brighter remembered.
So, the full teaching method of “Uchisto”, with the help of which you will remember words in the application, sounds like this:
If you do not remember the technique, you can always look at it again in the application itself. On the “Settings” tab, in addition to switching from Russian to English and sounds, there is a step-by-step description of the technique.
And now one more important point: what words will you teach. After all, all the words in the dictionaries “Uchisto” are not chosen by chance.
Remember only the right words
In total there are more than one million words in English, but in the everyday speech it is used at the best several thousand. So if you need basic language skills to freely speak with foreigners, read online publications in English, watch news and TV shows, then a few thousand are enough to start.
In the application “Uchisto” it is represented by frequency dictionaries – collections of 100 words, most often used in everyday life and literature.
Why exactly 100 words? It is known that small steps to the goal are much easier to make than to try to learn a lot at a time. A clear distribution of 100 words per serving helps to systematize your training, to start it with pleasure and with the same pleasure to monitor your progress.
To begin with, you are given three free dictionaries with which you can evaluate how much you like learning according to the “Uchsti” method. And then you can buy separately one dictionary or buy everything at a discount of 20%.
We follow the progress and do not forget to repeat
On the last tab of the “Uchasto” application you can track your progress by the days: how many were able to learn which day of the week, how many words your vocabulary as a whole has increased.
Of course, one application is not enough to learn English and speak it fluently. For example, to improve spoken English, you can try the lessons with native speakers through Skype, and to replenish the vocabulary – watching movies and serials in English.
However, the application “Uchisto” will provide you with a platform for an excellent start, will help you to believe in your abilities and strength, even if you start from scratch.
You learn the words in any convenient place and at any time: in traffic jams, traffic, queues or in the evening, before going to bed, which is especially effective for long-term memory. The main thing is not to lower the bar.
100 words a day, 700 a week, 3,000 a month – and you can already reasonably explain in English and understand what they are talking about.
And then there are no limits to perfection. New dictionaries are added to “Uchisto” in each update, so you always have a reason for a new workout.
