How To Memorize Words
Author: Michael GabrikowOne of the first steps we take when learning a language, be it our mother tongue as children, or a foreign language later on in life, is expanding our vocabulary by memorizing words (usually nouns and adjectives at first). Memorizing is done naturally when we're living in an environment that forces that particular language on us (such as our homes as children, or as visitors in a foreign country) but it can also be "forced" through several methods. The following article will try to present some of these methods that could help you learn how to memorize words faster when learning a foreign language.
Flashcards
Flashcards are the basic tools for word memorizing and although they are used mostly with small children, they can also be useful for grown-ups when learning a new foreign language. Basically, a flashcard is a piece of carton containing an image of a noun (usually nouns, although they can oftentimes contain colors, actions and so forth) with the appropriate word describing it and possibly, a small text that explains what the object is. They are a good way to take your first step into the vocabulary of the foreign language you are learning and they can be fun to use together with your children.
Using Mnemonic Links
A mnemonic is generally described as an abbreviation or a symbolic representation that helps humans memorize a certain "something" easier. Mnemonics are used to enhance and develop the assimilation of data into memory and there's no better use to them than in learning a new language. Since when you're gradually building your new vocabulary for the new language you will inevitably translate and think those words out in your mother tongue, you can use such a mnemonic to make this translation easier to memorize. For example if you've just learnt how to say "seaside" in the foreign language you're studying, imagine a picture of the seaside and then switch back between the native and foreign language words of what you're seeing. The image, which is easier to remember than a word, will act as an intermediate between the two languages.
Memory Enhancement Medication
There are several natural supplements out there that help you memorize stuff faster and for a longer period of time, as well as help with concentration during the learning process. Some of the herbs that are known to have a memory enhancing effect include Ashwagandha, Reishi, Ginseng, Bacopa, Mucuna Pruriens or Fo-Ti. Ginseng is one of the most popular in the list and it is widely used as a supplement in language learning classes as well as generally used by students before exams or during the school year. There are no side effects to these herbs but you might be allergic to one, so it is best if you visit your medic before taking any of them, asking if you are allowed or not to start a long or short-term memory enhancement plan.
There are also several vitamins and nutrients that could help out with memorizing new words, the list including: carnitine, lecitine, carnosine, choline, inositol, tyrosine and several others, but these are not the point of our discussion.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/how-to-memorize-words-50326.html
About the Author
Increase your foreign language vocabulary at http://www.InternetPolyglot.com by playing online games. The site contains thousands of lessons in different languages from English, Spanish, French, Russian to Hindi, Turkish, Ukrainian and many others.
Maximize the Battery Life of Your MacBook Pro
Author: Heide Lynne CanlasNothing is more frustrating than using your MacBook Pro outside the home or the office only to find out that your battery is fast draining because you have actually overused or misused it. What if you have a presentation to do or an emergency email you have to send out and the battery of your MacBook Pro just died down? What are you going to do? Remember, not always will there be an Apple store around the corner where you can get a replacement battery.
Learn how to maximize the battery life of you MacBook Pro so that you won’t have to worry about it again, especially when you are somewhere without an electric socket! Below are some tips you should keep in mind when working with your MacBook Pro to prolong its battery life.
1. Every time you turn on your MacBook Pro, make sure that its battery is fully charged.
2. During Software Updates installation, keep them running as these updates sometimes improve the life of your MacBook Pro’s battery.
3. Once in a while, discharge the battery of your MacBook Pro – about once a month should be enough. Run it until it shuts down or outs itself to sleep. Then when the battery is already drained, plug the MacBook Pro to recharge.
4. Make sure that you use and store your MacBook Pro under recommended room temperature which is between 50 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Anywhere higher or lower than these temperatures might damage not only the battery, but your MacBook Pro, as well.
5. To minimize battery usage, keep the brightness level of your MacBook Pro to a minimum. The brighter the screen is, the more power the battery consumes. Also, turn off the backlight on your keyboard by using the F5 key to minimize power consumption.
6. Turn off the Bluetooth function on your MacBook Pro when you are not using it as it uses a lot of power. To turn off Bluetooth, Open System Preferences, click on Bluetooth, and mark as uncheck the box next to “ON”.
7. Turn off or disable AirPort (Wi-Fi function) when you are not using it. To turn it off, Open System Preferences, click on Network, and click on the Turn AirPort Off button.
8. If you will keep your MacBook Pro plugged in or stored for a long period of time, it is best to remove the battery. In storing the battery, keep it under room temperature and away from heat to prolong its life.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/maximize-the-battery-life-of-your-macbook-pro-1058066.html
About the Author
Heide Lynne Canlas is a blogger, writer, editor, author, SEO specialist, and online marketer, sidelining as a QA officer. So when she notices something wrong with what you say or do and asks you to correct it, forgive her. She's just so used to doing her job.
