How long does it take to learn a new word in a foreign language

When learning a new word in a foreign language, the pronunciation for me is always the hardest. In fact to say the word feels very akward and I say to myself ‘the reality is I will never be able to say such a crazy word’. No matter how many times I say the word on the first day, I can not say it right. The next day, perhaps it has to do with the sleep process, in fact I know it does, I can say the word with ease. It is like over night my brain formed a new connection. In subsequent days I say it very naturally. However, the process of both perfecting pronunciation and recalling the meaning takes time.

Activation of new words learned in a foreign language

Once you learn new words the real trick is to activate the word. To use it, or it will stay in your memory passively. You will say, yes I know it but never, use it. I use the technique of describing the word without saying it to a friend until they guess it. Describing it in your target language. Read more about this technique for learning words

Tags: foreign-language, How to learn a language, Learning words