6/4/2023 0 Comments The ultimate vocabulary![]() ![]() In a square with this type of connection you would write down an english word that has the same root as the Portuguese word. Now let’s give you examples of mental connection groups: So, what to do with these stubborn words? Quadrants my friends, quadrants! Start with 2 and add more as you need them.īy quadrants I mean this: below your “target – base – target”, draw squares adjacent to each other and fill them with mental connections. The thing just refused to be retrieved from the deeps of my grey matter. But, if you’re like me, there are certain words that just won’t stick. Ok, you don’t have to do this for every word as it is time consuming and perhaps unnecessary for vocabulary you seem to pick up easily. Use this schema for every new word you learn. As an example, if you wanted to remember the European Portuguese word for foot, you would write “pé – foot – pé”. Instead of a basic dictionary structure of “concept – definition”, use a “target – base – target” convention for each line. Some hyper-polyglots swear by this technique. The keyboard free input will probably take longer (at least if you write it carefully enough so that a future you can read it) and in this case, the extra time is beneficial. This is also why I also recommend you use a pen (analog or digital). ![]() The process of actually looking at the word’s orthography (spelling), analysing it and writing it down is partially why these notebooks work, so please, do not cut corners here. Ingredient 2: Take the time to write every word Then, when you turn to a given page in your notebook, you can review words that are related, making it a lot easier for the brain to retain them. Examples are: ‘office’, for things you find there ‘bathroom’ ‘restaurant’ ‘happy words’ ‘anatomy’ etc., the sky is the limit. Well, simple, instead of writing down every new word you come across, independent of their meaning, divide them into categories. What does this have to do with your vocabulary notebook. Otherwise, it would be forced to keep opening and closing drawers of word groups unnecessarily. Likewise, the brain seems to retain information better when it is given information that is related in meaning. It is a lot easier to find the right cooking utensil in a kitchen that is properly organised with cupboards and drawers for specific categories of things, such as cutlery, plates, glasses, cloths, etc, then to find that same utensil in a kitchen in which every drawer is labeled “miscellaneous”. But if you can’t be bothered, or for whatever reason aren’t inclined to click that link, let’s just illustrate this quickly. If you have no clue as to what that is, then check my recent explanation of it. So, grab a notebook (digital or in dead-tree format) and let’s get started. The truth is, a personal notebook can be one of the best tools at your disposal if you mold it with innovative techniques that take into consideration how the brain stores information. I will answer with a: “maybe”, if you’re doing it wrong! With so many tools available to language learners such as interactive apps, online flashcards, online dictionaries, etc, many might conclude that a personal notebook consisting of words in European Portuguese is a thing of the past, an antiquated and boring relic of language learning, outdated stuff. No question! In this, hopefully, quick article, I’ll give you the recipe to build the most effective words notebook, and the only one you’ll ever need, whether you’re a newbie or an advanced student. A vocabulary notebook should be a staple for every European Portuguese learner. ![]()
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