How to memorize vocabulary Count Von Count Mnemonic Example for Magnetic Memory Method Blog Featured Post

Want to know how to memorize vocabulary in 30 seconds flat?

The process is as simple as transforming words and their meanings into dynamic associations.

Once that step is done, you “park” those associations in a Memory Palace.

Then, you stroll back along this simple mental journey on a set schedule to establish long-term retention.

That’s the entire method in a single breath that I’ve been teaching students for over fifteen years.

Of course, the magic to the method lies in the details, which I’ll unfold for you below.

All based on my experiences not only teaching memory techniques for vocabulary, but also using mnemonics to help me learn and lecture in German.

I’ve also memorized over 1700 words in Sanskrit, lots of interesting phrases in Latin and some of the most complex poetry in English I’ve ever read.

Below, you’ll find the exact, step-by-step system that has been tested in multiple languages, proven by science and refined by thousands of my students.

Ready?

Let’s dive in by having a look at this video featuring the habits of a Renaissance word fanatic who travelled the globe to share how he memorized vocabulary using an effective self-study approach that makes words stick in memory quickly:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6e2PUA1t8M

How to Memorize Vocabulary Fast and Effectively (Backed by Science)

Now that you’ve seen the habits of the word-master Matteo Ricci, let’s dig into the details of how to absorb vocabulary with precision.

As we get started, please keep in mind that the exact language you’re tackling does not matter.

This fact is true because memory techniques predate the English language.

So whether you’re improving your mother tongue or learning a new language, the following approaches will help, especially when combined.

1. Mnemonic Devices for Memorizing Vocabulary (Starting with the Memory Palace Technique)

The Memory Palace technique is the most important mnemonic device for memorizing words. It is specifically useful for language learning, and has helped learners throughout history absorb vocabulary.

What is the Memory Palace technique and how does it work?

Memory Palaces help you learn by turning familiar locations into mental storage units.

In each spot in a home, office or other familiar place, you imagine vivid mental associations that help you recall the sound and meaning of words.

For example, to memorize the German word Bereich (area), I imagined Bender from Futurama with the composer Steve Reich inside Berlin’s Tegel airport.

This kind of association promotes rapid recall because Bender + Reich sound like Bereich.

As I formulated this association, I imagined these two familiar figures interacting in a location familiar to me and even drew a quick doodle to help lock it into the apartment I used as the Memory Palace.

The illustration below shows you where in the apartment I imagined this mnemonic scene unfolding:

Memory strategy example of Tegel Airport Memory Palace in a Berlin Apartment — A memory strategy can involve importing one location into a Memory Palace based on another space.

If this process sounds a bit abstract, please don’t worry.

Just try to follow along.

Or, if you’re skeptical, check out this scientific study showing how using this technique helps support better memory.

A Detailed Mnemonic Example for a Useful Word to Know

The image above shows me at my desk, which is a station in this Berlin apartment Memory Palace.

Using the method of loci in combination with the pegword method to structure the choice of Bender and Steve Reich, I had not only the bed in this apartment on which to “place” associations.

I also had an alphabetic “toolbox” from which to draw multiple associations.

That’s what using the pegword method gives you.

Some people divide mnemonic pegs from Memory Palaces, but in reality they need to work together. Ideally, you’ll put them into practice with the other vocabulary memorization techniques we’re about to discuss.

Although these techniques aren’t magic, you’ll be surprised by how fast new words start to stick once you’re up and running.

2. Engage All Your Senses With Multisensory Learning Techniques for Vocabulary Recall

To get the most out of the Memory Palace approach, you need to treat the skills as much more than a visual memory technique.

You need to practice multisensory visualization.

Here’s how I approach this simple and fun learning approach:

When I memorize new words, I don’t just see the mnemonic association in my Memory Palaces.

I also imagine:

Sounds
Physical sensations
Tastes
Smells
Concepts
Emotions.

I even draw upon the sense of spatial location.

For example, when I memorized “expetendorum” in Latin, I imagined what it felt like to stand in front of a Pet Barn to recall the “pet” part of this phrase.

I felt the sun on my skin and imagined smelling the pet food.

If you don’t feel equipped yet for such mental experiences, these multi-s...