The Magic of Mnemonics for Vocabulary Learning of a Second Language

The keyword method is undeniably an effective method for accelerating learning of suitable material. Nor is there any doubt that it improves immediate recall, which can be useful in itself. However, what people want is long-term recall, and it is there that the advantages of the keyword method are most contentious. In this short article we introduce keyword method that is a fun method of learning vocabulary through mnemonics. The method is not new but it is presently unknown in Iran. Keyword method is a kind of memory aid method which makes the retrieval process easier by bridging the meaning of words with related pictures mentally or physically. Here we will consider the advantages and also disadvantages of the method. Some examples from Spanish, and Persian are provided to make keyword method more tangible for students of foreign languages in Iran.

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