Don't try to memorize vocabulary in a new language

Learning Vocabulary: Why We Shouldn't Try to Remember Vocabulary

In this video, Steve Kaufmann talks about his process of learning vocabulary and why he believes that trying to remember vocabulary is not effective.

The Ineffectiveness of Trying to Remember Vocabulary

• Trying to remember vocabulary is not an effective way of learning.

• Don't worry about not remembering. In fact, don't even try to remember the vocabulary, keep moving on and eventually the words will start to stick.

• Deliberate attempts to acquire words are often ineffective.

• A lot of the words that are added to known words total are words that were not looked up because they have things in common with other learned words.

Steve Kaufmann's Process for Learning Vocabulary

• The bulk of Steve's words are learned through listening and reading.

• When coming across a yellow word, even if he thinks he knows the meaning, he gives it another quick look.

• He reviews familiar words in lists and sometimes picks status three familiar words to move them into known status.

• He looks at familiar words in alphabetical order just to see the ones with the same prefix because it can help.

• If using flashcards, all information is on the face of the card.

Overall, Steve Kaufmann believes that exposing oneself or exposing these new vocabulary terms in different ways eventually leads one towards learning them.

Acquiring Words in Language Learning

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of acquiring words in language learning and explains how to do so effectively.

Don't Rely on Memory

• Don't rely on memory when learning a new language. Instead, expose yourself to as many words as possible by rereading old lessons and going into new ones.

• Gradually, your known words total will increase, and you'll be able to learn up to 10,000 words.

• LingQ counts each form of a word as a different word. The point is not to rely on memory but rather commit yourself to a process of enjoying the language and allowing it to come into you.

Language Learning is Not About Memorization

• Language learning is not about memorization but rather committing yourself to a process and trusting that your brain will gradually understand more and more.

• Accumulating words is the fundamental task in language learning because the more words you have even passively, the better your potential in the language.

• You're not necessarily going to acquire words by deliberately trying to remember them; instead, focus on exposing yourself to as many words as possible.

Additional Resources

• Check out two videos where the speaker talks about learning 100 words a day and memorization in language learning respectively.