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.On developing a good Vocabulary (a not-so-long thread)
The basics:
.Vocabulary= all the words in a language i.e. a language's repertoire of words.
The basics:
.Vocabulary= all the words in a language i.e. a language's repertoire of words.
Also, it means all the words in a language that one can recognize (while reading and listening) and use (while speaking and writing).
In this thread, "Language's repertoire" refers to the 1st meaning while "Vocabulary" refers to the 2nd.
In this thread, "Language's repertoire" refers to the 1st meaning while "Vocabulary" refers to the 2nd.
The intermediate:
.Vocabulary â Register = Words used in a specific field â Jargon. (â because no two words in a language's repertoire are the same. "Synonymous" = "similar" â "same"
.Vocabulary = Passive vocabulary + Active vocabulary.
.Vocabulary â Register = Words used in a specific field â Jargon. (â because no two words in a language's repertoire are the same. "Synonymous" = "similar" â "same"
.Vocabulary = Passive vocabulary + Active vocabulary.
.Passive vocabulary= words one can recognize but doesn't use (often)
.Active vocabulary= words one uses (very) often
Building a vocabulary always follows this route: Language's repertoire » Passive vocabulary » Active vocabulary.
.Active vocabulary= words one uses (very) often
Building a vocabulary always follows this route: Language's repertoire » Passive vocabulary » Active vocabulary.
To move a word from a language's repertoire to your passive vocabulary, you need a lot exposure (movies, books etc.). To take a word from your passive vocabulary to your active vocabulary, you need immediate use (writing, discussions etc.).
Both require deliberate efforts; but since the 1st step is easier to do, I'll talk more about the 2nd. (BTW, achieving step 2 is really what it means to have a good vocabulary; I mean what's the use in knowing words that you don't use?).
1.
Use words to express yourself and not to impress. Doing the former will always make you search your passive vocab for the words that precisely explain/state what you mean to say. Doing the latter will make you into a pseud!
Use words to express yourself and not to impress. Doing the former will always make you search your passive vocab for the words that precisely explain/state what you mean to say. Doing the latter will make you into a pseud!
2.
If possible, use words immediately they're learnt, to create â„3 sentences. It'll stick more.
If possible, use words immediately they're learnt, to create â„3 sentences. It'll stick more.
3.
Alongside looking up a word in the dictionary, look up its transcription to learn it's correct pronunciation. (Don't come and be pronouncing "indite" differently from "indict" because of the difference in spelling
)
Alongside looking up a word in the dictionary, look up its transcription to learn it's correct pronunciation. (Don't come and be pronouncing "indite" differently from "indict" because of the difference in spelling
)
...You could check its etymology to know how it was formed âthis will help your usage. If you do, you'll not be thinking that "indomitable" comes from "indomie" like @Afambu_Tochi 
4.
In hindsight, I've discovered that a large % of my vocab was acquired by actively watching movies and listening to rap music. I occasionally read the dictionary; but trust me, that was a boring way to do it
In hindsight, I've discovered that a large % of my vocab was acquired by actively watching movies and listening to rap music. I occasionally read the dictionary; but trust me, that was a boring way to do it
A caveat:
.These apply to a language you're already acquainted with.
Thanks for reading thru to the end
. Kindly RT for others to learn.
.These apply to a language you're already acquainted with.
Thanks for reading thru to the end
. Kindly RT for others to learn.
PS:
This thread was inspired by my friends, @chibuzorndubisi and @abebs_.The former once joked that my active vocabulary alone is more vast than his active and passive vocabulary combined (that's hyperbolic, but I took it seriously
); the latter thinks I speak good English.
This thread was inspired by my friends, @chibuzorndubisi and @abebs_.The former once joked that my active vocabulary alone is more vast than his active and passive vocabulary combined (that's hyperbolic
, but I took it seriously); the latter thinks I speak good English.
