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Tips for Language Learning

I. General

How do I learn how to learn?” – In this introduction, you will discover how to learn more effectively and holistically.

Even learning itself needs to be learned. Therefore, below you will find some recommendations that, based on my experience, have proven to be helpful for most language learners in practice. Naturally, every language learner is different, and everyone has different goals, as well as varying amounts of time and money at his disposal. Hence, not all language learning tips will be equally suitable for everyone.

Tips for Language Learning


II. Vocabulary and grammar are both important – but which one is “more important”?


No question: If you want to master a foreign language very well, read literature in that language, understand complex films, or even work in a "sophisticated" foreign-language environment or study at a university in the language you have learned, you must undoubtedly have both an excellent vocabulary and profound knowledge of grammar.

Of course, vocabulary and grammar are generally interconnected, and a good vocabulary learner will ideally always learn (some) grammar alongside, such as learning the correct article and plural form with a German, Arabic, or Spanish noun. Optimally, he will also learn words in context (e.g., "die Schule besuchen" – "to attend school"; "am Kurs teilnehmen" – "to attend the course"; "von jemandem geliebt werden" – "to be loved by someone"), as well as many important complete sentences and phrases ("Ich heiße ..." – "My name is..."; "Wie ist Ihr Name?" – "What is your name?"; "Wie geht es Ihnen?" – "How are you?"; "Ich bin von Beruf..." – "I work as..."). In this way, if you learn vocabulary correctly, you also automatically "pick up" some grammar along the way.

But if you are struggling more with one of the two areas (vocabulary or grammar), or if you want or need to achieve your learning goal quickly and must prioritise either vocabulary acquisition or grammar, which should you prioritise?

In the discussion about the importance of vocabulary and grammar in foreign language learning, an increasing number of studies suggest that a large, solid vocabulary is often more crucial for communication than perfect grammar. This is because an extensive vocabulary allows learners to understand and convey meanings, even if the grammar is not entirely correct. The figures that support this vary depending on the study and language skill level, but there are some concrete data that illustrate how significant a large vocabulary is.

For example, studies show that vocabulary accounts for 50 to 70% of language proficiency, while grammar plays a less dominant role. This distribution is often referred to as the rough rule of thumb of 60% vocabulary to 40% grammar.

(Transparent Blogs: https://blogs.transparent.com/language-news/2013/11/25/5-reasons-why-language-learners-should-acquire-more-vocabulary/

Text Inspector: https://textinspector.com/vocabulary-in-language-learning/


Vocabulary forms the foundation upon which all other linguistic skills are built. Without sufficient vocabulary, one cannot speak or understand, even if one has perfect grammar. Conversely, with a large vocabulary and simple grammatical structures, communication is often much more effective.

Vocabulary as the core of language competence

Research also shows that learning vocabulary often leads to faster progress in language competence. It emphasizes that both the breadth (the number of known words) and the depth of vocabulary (knowledge of different meanings and usage in context) are crucial for understanding and producing language. Even if grammar is not perfect, learners can communicate relatively successfully with a good vocabulary, which is much more challenging if the focus is solely on grammar without sufficient or good vocabulary.

(Frontiers: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2023.1210640/full

SpringerOpen:

https://sfleducation.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40862-018-0062-2)


Efficiency in language acquisition

A meta-analysis on foreign language learning also shows that vocabulary learning through various methods, such as reading or audiovisual media, is often more effective than pure grammar exercises. For example, the regular repetition and processing of words lead to a more sustainable learning effect, while "dry" grammar rule learning without sufficient vocabulary knowledge does not always result in practical progress.

(SpringerOpen: https://sfleducation.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40862-018-0062-2)


Practical application

In real-world communication, people who know many words but speak more grammatically incorrectly tend to have better chances of being understood than those who speak grammatically correct but with a limited vocabulary. Therefore, it is often recommended to focus on vocabulary first and gradually refine grammar.

(Springer: https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-58542-0_42-1)



In summary, many studies suggest that efficient vocabulary learning often has a more significant impact on communicative ability in a foreign language than a strict or prioritized focus on grammar. This makes vocabulary especially important for learners, as it forms the foundation for comprehension and expression in the target language.

In short: Vocabulary and grammar are both very important, but it is more sensible in language acquisition to focus first on building a solid vocabulary, especially in the early stages of learning.


III. Vocabulary learning


Efficient vocabulary learning is a key factor in successfully acquiring a foreign language. There are different methods that work better depending on the learning style. In this text, I will present six common approaches and provide tips on how to not only learn words individually but also in context. I will also present repetition techniques to you that support the learning process in the long term.

1. Vocabulary Learning with a Vocabulary Notebook

The vocabulary notebook is a traditional yet highly effective method. The classic layout of a vocabulary notebook consists of two columns: on the left, you write the vocabulary in the foreign language, and on the right, the corresponding translation in your native language.

Advantages of this method:

Tips for learning with a vocabulary notebook:

2. Vocabulary Learning with Flashcards

Flashcards are a flexible and proven tool. On the front of the card, write the word in the foreign language, and on the back, the translation in your native language.

Advantages of this method:



Tips for learning with flashcards:

3. Vocabulary Learning with Digital Apps (e.g., Anki)

Digital learning apps like Anki use the principle of “spaced repetition,” which is scientifically proven to enhance learning. The app focuses on repeating vocabulary at increasing intervals, depending on how well you already know the word.

Advantages of this method:

Tips for digital vocabulary learning:

4. Vocabulary Learning with Excel Spreadsheets

For tech-savvy learners, an Excel spreadsheet can be an excellent solution. You can systematically organize your vocabulary and their translations, and update the list anytime or export it as a PDF to use on the go.

Advantages of this method:

Tips for learning with Excel spreadsheets:



5. Audio Vocabulary Training via Smartphone

Here is how it works:
Take your
phone, a voice recorder, or your computer with a microphone, and record the vocabulary as follows: First, say the word in the foreign language (for example, German if you're learning German). Then, leave a short pause so that when you listen to the recording later, you have time to think about the translation. After that, speak the translation in your native language. Do this for all the words you want to learn. Don’t forget to save the recording at the end! Now you can start: Play the recording, listen to the foreign word, and use the pause to think about the translation.
Advantage: With headphones, you can learn
anytime and anywhere, even while on the go.

6. The Sticky Note Method

Materials: Sticky notes (Post-its), pen
Here’s how it works:
Write down each foreign word you want to learn, along with its translation in your native language, on a sticky note. Find a suitable place in your home to stick the note. For example, if you want to learn the word "Spiegel" in English, write "Spiegel" and "mirror" on the note and stick it on a mirror. Every time you see the mirror, you will also see the word. This way, you not only learn the spelling but can also practice the pronunciation by saying the word out loud. You can apply this method to other objects like tables, chairs, televisions, doors, or windows to help memorize the vocabulary more effectively.

General Tips for Efficient Vocabulary Learning

Conclusion

Efficient vocabulary learning requires regular practice and a combination of different methods. Whether you use a vocabulary notebook, flashcards, digital apps, or Excel spreadsheets, it largely depends on personal preference. However, it is important not to learn vocabulary in isolation, but to use it in context and systematically review it. This way, you won’t just retain the words temporarily but will embed them in your long-term memory.


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