{"id":9767,"date":"2022-07-12T11:53:35","date_gmt":"2022-07-12T09:53:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nllanguagep-bali.savviihq.com\/?p=9767"},"modified":"2025-06-18T12:29:25","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T10:29:25","slug":"expanding-your-vocabulary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/languagepartners.nl\/en\/blog\/english\/expanding-your-vocabulary\/","title":{"rendered":"5 tips for expanding your vocabulary"},"content":{"rendered":"

A frequently asked and logical question is: “How can I expand my vocabulary?” Language is a means of communication and in order to express thoughts you need words, preferably as many as possible. Even if someone knows perfectly well how the subjunctive works in French, without words to make a sentence, it\u2019s of no use.<\/span><\/p>\n

Note<\/strong>: On September 13th 2022 we have a webinar on English vocabulary, click here<\/a><\/strong> for more information and to sign up.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Focusing on memorising vocabulary? Not very effective<\/b><\/h2>\n

In addition, learning words is more difficult than it seems. Pure memorization techniques, such as using flash cards and re-writing the words over-and-over are boring and not very effective. This approach requires so much repetition that you can quickly become discouraged. Also, the\u00a0 idea of “use it or lose it” comes into play when all the words you have memorised but not used, suddenly disappear. Often, we remember these words just long enough to get a good grade at school, but that’s all there is to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tricks that help to learn words<\/b><\/h2>\n

Luckily, there are tricks to developing your vocabulary which allow you to remember them and have fun too. Therein lies part of the solution. Our brains react differently to various types of stimuli. What is new, impressive and\/or enjoyable helps our brain pick up on the stimuli and do something with it. What is boring, heard too often or experienced, is sometimes not even noticed, let alone processed and remembered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip 1: Have fun<\/b><\/h2>\n

There is no point in reading a book about a subject you have no interest in, especially if you generally don\u2019t enjoy reading. Instead, pick up a short article on a hobby or a subject that interests you. Reading is a good way to increase your vocabulary, but it only works if you find the topic fun or interesting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip 2: Learn words from their context<\/b><\/h2>\n

Learning individual words is not only tedious, it also misses the point. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, certain words are used in combination with other words. Do you learn the word, but not how it is used? Then it\u2019s of little use. Second, by learning words in their context, you link a word to a situation, sentence or other words you already know. You create, as it were, coat hangers on which you can hang your new vocabulary, to find and use them again with ease. A good way to learn the context is to practise with fill-in-the-blanks assignments, for example, or to make up your own story with the words you want to learn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip 3: Learn together<\/b><\/h2>\n

Research has shown that learning together stimulates the brain even more. We learn better when we interact with others. We call this <\/span>social learning<\/span><\/a>, and have implemented it in our approach to learning. Find someone with whom you feel comfortable to work together. Do a role play, for example. That way you stimulate each other, have fun and learn from each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip 4: Use your imagination<\/b><\/h2>\n

Dry knowledge and facts are the hardest to remember. Turn them into a crazy story, put words in a drawing, stick post-its on your furniture, stairs or kitchen, make up a song or do some donkey tricks. Because they are a bit crazy, you\u2019ll often remember them for years. As soon as you link more senses and experiences to your learning process, you\u2019ll be able to better remember the knowledge you have gained.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip 5: Arrange a good language training<\/b><\/h2>\n

Together with the trainer<\/span><\/a> you can find out what your learning styles and strategies are, so that you can immediately start working in your own way. Then nothing is more fun than working on your language skills<\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n

For more tips check out our Business English webinar!<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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