Mnemonics

A detailed definition of the term "mnemonics" in the context of "skills & strategies".

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Mnemonics

Mnemonics are memory aids that help you remember information. They can help you remember vocabulary, grammar rules, and just about any other information.

A Smart Way to Remember

Ever struggled remembering a new word or concept? Mnemonics are one strategy to help you remember new information by linking it to something you already know.

How Mnemonics Work

Think of your memory like a web of interconnected concepts.

Now, picture a FIRETRUCK. You can probably see it in your mind. Bright colors, flashing lights, and sirens. That's because you have strong, reinforced connections to this concept.

Now, picture a WUG.

...Nothing?

Probably not easy, right? That's because you've never heard of a WUG before and you have no connections to it. Unless you're into linguistics, then you know.

If you can simulate the connections in your brain by linking new concepts to concepts you already know, you create a mnemonic to help you remember the new concept and move it into long-term memory sooner.

Memory Placement Model

Think about mnemonics as temporary supports or bridges between what you want to know and what you already know.

You link a new concept to an existing one, and use the known concept until, eventually, the mnemonic fades away and you're left with an imprint of the new concept in your long-term memory.

How to Use Mnemonics

  1. Choose a concept you want to remember.
  2. Choose a concept you already know that is in some way related to the concept you want to remember.
  3. Create a mental image that links the two concepts.
  4. Review the image in your mind a few times.
  5. Use the image to recall the concept you want to remember.

How to Use Mnemonics for Language Learning

Here are some ways you can use mnemonics to help you learn languages:

  1. Vocabulary: Associate a new word with a word in your native language that sounds similar.
  2. Grammar: Create a mental image that represents a grammar rule, or draw a picture that represents the rule.

For vocabulary, it can be helpful to link both a sound and an image to the word you want to remember. This way, you're creating multiple connections to the new word.

Example Mnemonic

  1. Concept to remember: りんご (ringo, the Japanese word for "apple")
  2. Concept you know: Ring
  3. Mental image: Picture a ring going around an apple
  4. Review: Picture the ring going around the apple a few times
  5. Recall: When you want to remember the word for "apple", think of the ring going around the apple

Bonus Tip: Use Software To Assist You

If you use a

spaced repetition system
like
Anki
, add your mnemonic to the backside of your cards to help you with recall:

Screenshot of Anki card with a helpful mnemonic for recall

If you use a structured learning system like

Notion
, create a page for your mnemonics and review them regularly.

More About this Strategy

Read more about vocabulary strategies in my blog on climbing the vocabulary mountain.