The first and most challenging part of learning a new language is the need to memorize and remember thousands of new words. In our modern-day lifestyle, we do not often use our memorization skills. Most of our daily activities are performed automatically and unconsciously, requiring no memory skills. In addition, the digital revolution has made things even “easier” for us. Today, there is almost no need to remember information such as phone numbers, addresses, or our schedules. Therefore, when attempting to learn a new language, we are forced to exercise the neglected muscle of memory. Here are some tools to help you work out this muscle:
Many students who use the “Flashcard Method” report it as the most effective way to memorize new words. You can use physical cards where one side has the word written in Hebrew and the other side its translation. These cards can be taken anywhere and used anytime. Nowadays, such flashcards can also be created digitally. A significant advantage of digital cards is the ability to add sounds. This means students can always refresh their memory and hear how words should be pronounced. Moreover, digital flashcards allow the addition of images. Multiple studies have shown that visual images greatly stimulate memory, which is incredibly helpful when studying a new language.
This method, a longtime favorite among language teachers, is widely used. Simply put, the language student labels various everyday objects around the house with Post-its: cup, bathroom, door, couch—whatever it may be! With this method, the process of memorizing new words happens effortlessly for the student. Over time, these words will gradually become part of the student’s unconscious memory. Some people may worry that this method could disrupt their home decor, but I believe the opposite is true!
Studies have shown that linking and composing words into short stories can improve students’ memorization of new vocabulary. For instance, if I want to learn and remember the words “cat,” “table,” “car,” and “refrigerator,” I could create a short story incorporating these four words. “This morning I opened the refrigerator, grabbed some yogurt, and sat at the table. After breakfast, I went to my car and found a cat sitting on it” (only the bolded words would be said in the learned language). The story can be funny, serious, surreal, sad, etc. What matters most is that the story is engaging and memorable.
This method is both fun and effective for learning new words. In this approach, students are encouraged to associate a newly learned Hebrew word with one in their native language that sounds similar phonetically. Later, they are prompted to find or create a logical connection between these phonetically resembling words. The connection doesn’t have to make sense in a literal way; it just needs to establish a link between the two words. In my experience, the more funny and absurd these connections are, the more likely students are to remember the word. Here’s a quick example:
When teaching my students the Hebrew word for “kitchen,” “Mitbach” (מטבח), I ask them to break the word into two syllables: “Mit” and “Bach.” Then, I associate the first part, “Mit” (מט), with the English word “meat.” I might ask them, “Where is meat usually stored?” and the students would respond, “In the kitchen!” Next, I associate the second syllable, “Bach,” with the sentence, “When washing my dishes, I like listening to Bach.”
This example illustrates how I teach the word “kitchen” (Mitbach) through a funny association. When I was in Germany, this method was my favorite. I often used amusing associations to remember everyday words. Many students have reported this method as their preferred one.
For example, when waking up and going to brush their teeth, I encourage my students to describe their actions in Hebrew: “I am getting out of bed. I am going to the bathroom. I am brushing my teeth.” By doing this, students will encounter words they do not yet know, which will guide them in expanding their vocabulary.
Simplified Hebrew Books are an excellent way to expand vocabulary. Compared to standard native Hebrew novels, beginner-level books expose students to a limited number of complex words per page.
Students can enjoy reading these unique books for pleasure while organically learning new words. Easy Hebrew books also help bridge the gap between spoken and written Hebrew. I even recommend reading the story aloud to someone else. Improving reading skills is crucial in the process of learning a new language and leads to fluency in speaking.
From my experience as a Hebrew teacher, I find that different students connect with different teaching methods. I always suggest trying out all methods to discover which one best suits you.
Learning Hebrew is certainly not an easy task, but with practice, time, and patience, anyone can master it!
