How to Use a Memory Palace for Language Learning

If you’re learning a new foreign language, the Memory Palace technique is one of the most powerful tools you can use. I know this from experience, not theory. I’ve used Memory Palaces to learn and retain vocabulary and phrases in multiple languages, from German and Mandarin to Hebrew, Latin and Sanskrit. But here’s the truth: A lot of people try the Memory Palace method for language learning and quickly fizzle out. Why? Because they unknowingly waste energy on the wrong approaches to using the technique. That’s completely avoidable. So on this page, I’ll walk you through exactly how to use Memory Palaces the right way for language learning, drawing upon my decades of experience teaching and using these methods personally. That way, you can use this incredibly powerful learning technique to supplement your language learning adventure. By the end, you’ll know how to avoid every common pitfall and walk away with a flexible, fun and fast system for remembering thousands of words and phrases. Let’s get started. https://youtu.be/3taeoaGe1es First, Avoid These Memory Palace Mistakes If you’ve tried using a Memory Palace to develop your fluency in another language and struggled, this first mistake is important to avoid. Stop blaming yourself. A lot of memory training on the Internet lacks nuance. Worse, a lot of it is designed to peak your interest with big promises, but not teach you anything. That’s not happening here. In reality, the technique works wonderfully for speeding up retention with any information. Beyond not having good sources of information, people struggle because: One Memory Palace is not enoughThe Memory Palaces they do have are poorly designedThey do not use visualization and elaboration optimallyThey do not use their Memory Palaces with a proper spaced repetition strategyThey do not situate the technique in the larger context of what it takes to learn a languageThey are not realistic about how many languages you can realistically learn at the same timeNot exploring the technique in combination with tools like Anki, The Freedom Journal or flashcardsThey give up too soon Again, forgive yourself if you’ve encountered any of these situations before. We’re about to solve everything together. Can a Memory Palace Really Teach You a New Language? The Buddha reportedly said that “Expectation is the quickest path to suffering.” And a lot of people mistakenly think that the Memory Palace technique is going to magically “teach” them the language or make them fluent. But remembering vocabulary and phrases is not just a solitary activity. It’s a communal one. This is a key point made by Tim Doner in a TEDx Teen Talk where he also shows how he used the Memory Palace technique. To see such a young person so wisely embedding this ancient memory technique in the larger principles of what it takes to learn a language is inspiring. Because that’s what it takes: Use the Memory Palace as a tool from a toolbox containing other tools, not a magic bullet. What are some of those other tools? Language learning booksStories in foreign languagesSpeaking partners and community which some language learning software programs provide How to Use a Memory Palace for Language Learning The key to getting your first Memory Palace optimized for language learning involves the following steps. A lot of them come down to proper design, planning and exactly how you place foreign language vocabulary and phrases in your Memory Palaces. Your top priorities are: Making sure you’re using a true Memory PalaceMaking sure you can navigate it naturallyMaking sure you don’t trap or confuse yourselfMaking sure it works for Recall Rehearsal (spaced repetition)Making sure you have multiple Memory PalacesMaking sure you populate the Memory Palaces with truly Magnetic ImageryMaking sure you learn to scale from individual words to entire sentences Let’s go through each of these steps in order. One: Use A True Memory Palace By “true” Memory Palace, I mean basing your Memory Palace on a location you already remember. Some people don’t mind spending the time to memorize a location in order to use it. Or they are happy to base a Memory Palace on a video game, movie or even a story. All of these are what I call Virtual Memory Palaces. By all means, experiment with these forms. But if you find yourself spinning your wheels, come back to the principle of basing each Memory Palace for foreign language learning purposes on actual locations. Chances are you’ll be much more successful. This better outcome happens because you’re reducing the cognitive load by simply laying out associations on a journey you already remember. This principle reduces errors and saves time. Segmenting space you already remember is what distinguishes a Memory Palace from a Memorized Palace. Two: Navigate Your Palaces Naturally Many times I receive messages from people who have issues with language learning. When I ask them what ...