The vocabulary of a language is, of course, the single most important aspect in communicating.

When we learn speech as children, we begin by learning words.

• Grammar DOES become very important for learners wishing to communicate more effectively, but:
• Beginners can conduct communicate using just words (and gestures).

So… what is the best way of going about learning vocabulary?

Here are some tips:

• Do some research on the internet – what are the 100 / 500 / 1,000 most used words in the object language?
• Learn words in phrases – a context will make remembering words easier
• Make lists and flash cards (for more, see below)
• Speak the words aloud
• Associate words or phrases with gestures or tone of voice
• Associate words with pictures or colors – draw them next to the words
• READ! Start with a children’s book with pictures and figure things out.

For more tips, see Self Study.

Lozanov