| Building up your vocabulary is arguably the | | | | purpose. The fact with vocabulary games is |
| most important part of a language learning | | | | that they cannot teach you the same amount of |
| process. If you don't have a base vocabulary | | | | new words as say translated texts or other |
| to work with, you can't study grammar, you | | | | methods that deal with improving your |
| have absolutely no use for spelling or | | | | vocabulary, but they can be a fun alternative |
| pronunciation exercises and writing or | | | | to take during those study breaks. Also, |
| reading is definitely out of the question. | | | | remember that everything we learn while |
| That's why it's crucial to have a good | | | | relaxing and having fun is assimilated a lot |
| vocabulary work-up at the beginning of your | | | | easier and for a longer period of time. |
| studies but also to keep building it up as | | | | |
| you go. Here are a few ways to do this. | | | | 3. Foreign language media |
| | | | |
| 1. Translated texts | | | | Media is obviously a strong source of |
| | | | vocabulary gain and the fun fact about it is |
| This is a great method to use in the | | | | that you won't be shedding a sweat learning |
| beginning of your studies, when you can't | | | | the new words, as they will come naturally. |
| handle reading (and understanding) a text | | | | Every bit of radio, TV, stationary ad, |
| solely in the foreign language you're | | | | computer game or any other type of media you |
| emphasizing on. Translated texts act as a | | | | can watch or hear in the foreign language |
| natural dictionary as they will involuntarily | | | | you're studying should be treated as an |
| form connections as you read the two versions | | | | opportunity to improve vocabulary. Obviously, |
| of the same text. The downside however is | | | | some languages will be harder to learn |
| that if the texts are too ambiguous or too | | | | through this method, whereas others will be |
| complicated, you risk misunderstanding entire | | | | extremely easy (English/Spanish anyone?). If |
| phrases or mistakenly attributing meanings to | | | | you find a good learning source, you could |
| certain words. That's why it's extremely | | | | use foreign language media as a main method |
| important that the translated text you're | | | | of vocabulary increase, but if these sources |
| working with is well written and doesn't have | | | | are scarce, you shouldn't rely solely on it. |
| any slang, confusing words, words with | | | | |
| different meanings and so forth. You should | | | | Once you have a relatively good grasp on that |
| also look for the most basic translated texts | | | | language's vocabulary and you formed a solid |
| at first. Don't worry if you find it silly to | | | | word database with which you can work with, |
| translate "It's hot during the summer", it's | | | | feel free to move on to more complex elements |
| a starting point and you won't be better off | | | | of the language, such as spelling, |
| skipping it. | | | | pronunciation, writing, grammar and so forth. |
| | | | As to where you can find translated texts, |
| 2. Vocabulary games | | | | vocabulary games and even language-specific |
| | | | media, know that there are several language |
| Vocabulary games are a great way to enhance | | | | learning sites out there that provide such |
| your word base, but they should usually be | | | | content for both novice and advanced |
| used only as an additional method for this | | | | students. |