START HERE: Step Two, English Vocabulary, How to Learn New Words

 

PART TWO:
ENGLISH VOCABULARY

How to be understood in English and how to understand the English language.

To use the English language, you need to know English words. You need to be able to remember English words. And you need to be able to use the words you do remember.

So you need to know English words. You need to be able to listen to English words and understand the words you hear.

You need to know what English words mean when you read English words. 

This way you can understand English. To be able to do this, you really need to know English vocabulary.

But how do you do this?

And what is possible for the average person to learn, retain, and remember?

LEARNING ENGLISH LANGUAGE VOCABULARY:
Realistic Expectations. 
How many new words can you learn, retain, and remember?


Estimating the number of new English words an average non-native adult English student can learn and retain each day involves considering several variables, such as the student's prior language proficiency, motivation, study methods, cognitive abilities, exposure to the language, and the context in which learning occurs. 

Here is a nuanced estimate:

Beginner Level (A1-A2)
- Estimate
5-10 words per day

- Considerations
Beginners are likely to focus on high-frequency vocabulary and basic phrases. Retention can be higher due to the novelty and practicality of the words.

Intermediate Level (B1-B2)
- Estimate
10-20 words per day

- Considerations
Intermediate learners have a solid foundation and can build on existing knowledge. They can benefit from contextual learning and more complex vocabulary. 

Advanced Level (C1-C2)
- Estimate5-15 words per day

- Considerations 
Advanced learners might focus on specialized or academic vocabulary, which can be more challenging to retain. They are also more likely to encounter and use new words in varied contexts, aiding retention.

Factors Influencing Retention

1. Spaced Repetition 
Using tools like flashcards and spaced repetition systems (SRS) can significantly improve retention.

2. Active Usage: 
Speaking, writing, and actively using new vocabulary in context aids memory.

3. Contextual Learning 
Learning words within meaningful sentences or real-life situations enhances understanding and retention.

4. Cognitive Load
The number of new words can depend on the overall cognitive load and how much other new information is being processed.

5. Motivation and Engagement 
Highly motivated students who are engaged in interesting material tend to learn and retain more.

6. Practice and Revision 
Regular practice and review are crucial for long-term retention.

Realistic Expectation
On average, considering the variables and the effort required for effective learning and retention, a reasonable estimate would be around 10-15 words per day. This estimate balances the need for sufficient exposure and practice with the cognitive limitations of daily language learning.

HOWEVER, there are many people who discover that they can only manage to learn, retain, and remember 2-3 words each day.


The main point is that we also know this basic fact about vocabulary retention. It is the great law: "Use IT or Lose IT."

Conclusion
Learning and retaining new vocabulary is a highly individualized process influenced by many factors. While some students may exceed these estimates with optimal strategies and high motivation, others may find a slower pace more sustainable and effective.

Final Words
Do you ever forget English words? Do you sometimes not remember some English vocabulary?

Do you want more English vocabulary word power?
Okay. This next link is for you. 


No comments:

Post a Comment