When it comes to learning Spanish, remembering large lists of vocabulary is essential. This can seem like a daunting task at first, but there are a few methods you can use to make the whole thing easier. Try out these memory 5 hacks to study more effectively.
Repetition
Simply repeating something over and over will get in stuck in your head. Think of all those songs that play endlessly on the radio. Each lyric will stick in your mind long after you’ve stopped listening to the song because of the repetitive rhythm. The same is true of learning a new language. The more you practise, the more automatic it’ll become when using that information later on.
Download an app
This can turn learning into something fun and convenient. An app allows language learning to feel like a game. This sure beats dusty old dictionaries and school textbooks. Having all the vocab and grammar contained within an app on your phone also allows you to practise any time you get a spare moment. Whether you’re waiting for a bus or just relaxing in the evening, small but frequent Spanish practise on your phone can make a daunting task more manageable.
Be Absurd
Mundane things are easily forgotten. Imagining a “gato” walking through a gate is one thing, imagining a fat man eating a cat because he thought it was a gateaux is even more memorable! Visualise something bright and vivid so that it becomes much harder to forget. Linking foreign words to an easily recognisable image can make memorisation so much easier.
Eat Well
Avoid sugar and junk food since this will cause your energy levels to crash and make it impossible to concentrate. Instead, take the time to ensure your diet contains plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts. This will ensure a slow release of energy so that you can study for longer periods without feeling fatigued. By ensuring you have all the vitamins and minerals you need, your mind will be clear and able to concentrate on the Spanish vocab that you need to remember. This allows your brain to properly process it and file it away in the long term memory.
Exercise
Clearly, exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Moderate exercise can help you sleep better and leave you feeling refreshed and energised. However, there is evidence that aerobic exercises actually increase the hippocampus which is involved in learning languages and memory. So by working out, you are actually increasing your brain capacity.
