Thread: How to learn new words

I am trying to learn new слова.
When I am at home, I use the Interlex program on my компутер.
I am currently focusing on learning the top 2000 most popular Russian слова so I don't end up wasting valuable brain space learning useless words like "упоительный" and "удовлетворительный" and "достопримечательности". (Unfortunately, they are already permanently burned into my мозг)

With Interlex, I find out which words are most difficult for me to memorize, then I print them out. When I am away from my computer, I always carry the list of words so if I ever get bored standing on line or something, I pull out the list and study.

Being that I am not in a Russian speaking environment, what is the best way to learn new words. Here are some of the methods I use. What do you suggest?

D, all of the above, But E, add a few. I like to learn with things I know about or have a great interest in. I asked about ordinate directions; I am not 100%, but I have learned by reading posts how to say a few other things. The man looking for help with Geocaching helped me. I knew it was wrong, and I looked for the Russian Geocaching site. I don't understand it all, but it helps me to learn. I try BBC in Russian, but there are so many words I don't know.
My original learning was from students working here in the summer months. I learned BASIC questions and answers and how to count to 20+. I learn from my 'chat-friends'. I read 'How to learn' books. I can't get to classes, they are big $$$ and miles away.

Спасиба MR forums,
Спасиба

I like to learn with things I know about or have a great interest in.

well said words! And I agree with capecoddah - I think it's one of the best ways to learn the new words in their natural settings. Besides reading of such books (and I'd add watching of favourite movies in original) is the rare ocassion when you can combine the study with the pure enjoyment. Just remember to check the just known phrase in Translate this forum

PS: спасибо

I asked this question a while ago, not sure if you remember.

http://masterrussian.net/mforum/viewtop ... highlight=

My methods are pretty similar now but I learn less words, about 10 a day because I'm busier. And most of my words I get from this forum and not the news.

Между прочим, that's a good idea to take a list of words around, I think I'll give that a shot.

Originally Posted by kwatts59

"упоительный" and "удовлетворительный" and "достопримечательности".

If you just knew a little bit about what makes up a word, you wouldn't have any trouble understanding words like this. (Without memorizing.) Though, admittedly, I'm not quite sure what упоительный is. I wanna say like stunning or something.

Other: Magic

I really think you can do all the flash cards and gimmick programs you like and never really attain a reasonable grasp of a language. At some point it will just click in your brain and you'll start spitting out semi-coherent Russian.
You're crazy, says the disbeliever, but this is how the brain works. Memory and language are two seperate things, so while you may be able to store thousands of words in your memory, you'll never really be able to access them efficently and string them into meaningful, grammatical sentences.

Originally Posted by BlackMage

Originally Posted by kwatts59

"упоительный" and "удовлетворительный" and "достопримечательности".

If you just knew a little bit about what makes up a word, you wouldn't have any trouble understanding words like this. (Without memorizing.) Though, admittedly, I'm not quite sure what упоительный is. I wanna say like stunning or something.

Other: Magic

упоительный means enchanting, or ravishing. I heard it in a song.

удовлетворительный means satisfying. It was in a list called "the top 3500 common Russian words". I studied all 3500 words and later found out that many of the words were not very popular.

достопримечательности = sightseeing. A very easy word to learn. It appeared in this forum several times.

Yeah, those are what I thought.

I try to read the russian news websites watch Russian T.V., etc. That and a couple of dictionaries. It takes me longer than I'd like to admit, but that's how I learn.

Haven't seen you on the forum for awhile Ken. Как дела ?

Russian News (printed in Russian) - I think it's best way!

When I am at home, I use the Interlex program on my компьютер.

Just fucking learn them.

Mostly just repeat batches of words toddling back from college (about an hour's walk), on the bus, etc. I also have computer programs in Russian where I'm familiar enough with the interface to not just be baffled. I read news stuff occasionally, and a few "word association" things have bound themselves to me (trotuar, and, sorta, чистить -> chastite).

PS: and "равнина" -> ravine, pretty much the complete opposite.

I've been copying out wordlists and just generally haunting this place and a few other forums.

..... and I eavesdrop on my Russian friends when they're talking and entertain myself by trying to figure out what they're saying.

Reading and writing is the best way. + some words that are used less frequently but need to be learned - with cards.

in my opinion the best way to learn russian is, going out and hanging with russian friends.

Originally Posted by NeveRtheDon

in my opinion the best way to learn russian is, going out and hanging with russian friends.

Really? how can you be sure that they are really your friends?

I learn new words by reading them, (as best I can) then translate them (threw internet). The I'll have a friend correct me. Then if I have the time, I'll use flash cards :P

threw internet = oh deer

threw internet - should be through the internet, unless you picked up your modem and chucked it out the window.

Really? how can you be sure that they are really your friends

Friends are people who you think are your friends, but they're really your enemies, with secret identities to disguise their true colours.

Now, now, we all know it is the Internet with a capital "I"!!!