A common question I receive from my students is:
“Ma’am, whenever we speak in English, we find it difficult to use the vocabulary we’ve learned. What can we do to improve?”
I always like to respond with an analogy that helps my students understand the process of language retention and usage:
Imagine you’re searching for something in your house—let’s say a specific item. If it’s not readily available or if you haven’t seen it in a while, finding it becomes difficult, right? Now, consider this: just as a water tank can only provide water if it’s filled, your mind works in a similar way. If you don’t have the right vocabulary “stored” in your mind, how can you expect to use it when needed?
This is exactly why many people struggle to use new words in conversations—simply because they haven’t had enough exposure to them in context. To effectively use vocabulary, you must first learn it, internalize it and build a strong repository. If you haven’t read, heard or practiced a word, it’s impossible to pull it out during a conversation.
So, how do we overcome this barrier?
Building a rich vocabulary takes consistent effort and exposure to English content. However, the process is not as simple as memorizing words; it requires multiple strategies to effectively “fill your mental tank.”
Here are some practical methods that can help enhance your vocabulary:
The key to mastering vocabulary is continuous exposure. Immerse yourself in English by engaging with a variety of content:
o Reading: Newspapers, books (fiction & non-fiction), magazines and even blogs. Each genre offers different styles of language and vocabulary.
o Watching TED Talks, Podcasts, and English Movies: These platforms are rich with real-world language usage. TED Talks expose you to formal language and new ideas, podcasts introduce conversational English and movies give you a glimpse into colloquial speech.
o Listening to News & Stories: This helps you understand current events while also introducing more formal and academic vocabulary.
As you immerse yourself, you’ll begin to internalize new words and phrases in a way that feels natural when you speak.
Understanding the origin of a word (its root, prefix, or suffix) can help you unlock its meaning and variations. Learning etymology can make it easier to deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words and expand your vocabulary systematically.
This classic memory technique links unfamiliar words to something memorable. For instance, if you’re trying to remember the word “altruistic,” you might associate it with the image of a selfless person helping others. Creating such mental connections helps with retention and recall.
Utilize language-learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel or Memrise. These apps are designed to enhance vocabulary by offering interactive lessons and quizzes that reinforce the words you learn.
The more you use a word, the more likely it will stick in your memory. Try using new words in your writing, conversations, or social media posts. The more you practice, the more fluent and confident you’ll become in using advanced vocabulary.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Just as there’s no single solution to improve fitness (some prefer running, others yoga, etc.), there’s no one-size-fits-all method for building vocabulary. You need to try different approaches and see what works best for you. Whether it’s through reading, listening, using apps, or mnemonic devices—make it a daily habit.
Remember: vocabulary building is a gradual process. It’s about consistent exposure, practicing with intent and finding methods that resonate with you. Eventually, you’ll find yourself using new words effortlessly in conversations.
So, next time you feel stuck, remember: if your mental vocabulary tank isn’t full, it’s no wonder that you can’t use the words when needed. The solution is simple—fill it up and you’ll be able to draw from it at will!
Key Points:
• Consistently expose yourself to English through various forms of media.
• Try different vocabulary-building techniques such as etymology, mnemonic devices, and language apps.
• Practice actively by using new words in conversations and writing.
I’d love to hear about your favourite techniques for learning new vocabulary. What’s worked best for you? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences!
