Unpacking (SLA) articles - Episode 25: Vocab with Pictures vs. Translations

[@thedavidguy01]

In my unscientific study of my own learning I scrupulously avoided any L1 translation and would use a short definition or synonym in my target language. I found eventually that I remembered words far more easily if I used translation, especially if there was some nuance that a target language synonym didn’t capture. I also experimented with pictures vs translation and found that translation works better for me.

[@Unpackinglanguagepedagogy]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Translations have also worked better for me. But when teaching a class, I'd say: why not both? (if feasible) Sometimes a funny picture or funny context can also make a word more memorable.

[@thedavidguy01]

@@Unpackinglanguagepedagogy I agree that using both is a good idea, but I'm too lazy to find photographs every time.

[@Unpackinglanguagepedagogy]

@@thedavidguy01 haha! I appreciate your honesty!