Biblical Hebrew: Vocabulary Made Easy! Flash Cards
Set 1
by Blair W. Kasfeldt
Published by Blair Kasfeldt at Smashwords
Copyright 2011 Blair Kasfeldt
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You will not be using rote memory techniques to learn Hebrew vocabulary in this guide, rather you will be using “mnemonics,” or memory aids based on mental imagery and “sound-alike” words.
The method employed in this vocabulary guide is to find an English word that sounds similar to the vocabulary word being learned and associating the “sound-alike” word to the definition of the vocabulary word to be learned. This process is done in the mind’s eye or imagination.
Words in bold in this vocabulary guide are the English sound-alike, while the word(s) in italic are the definition(s).
Sephardic pronunciation of Hebrew is used throughout for consistency. Consistency of pronunciation is vital to properly learning and retaining Hebrew vocabulary. Many Hebrew words sound similar, so be careful to properly pronounce each word to minimize confusion.
Vocabulary contained in this guide that does not have vowel pointing does not occur in the Qal stem. For memorization and pronunciation purposes, the supplied vowels will be qames - patah.
IMAGINATION IS THE KEY
Forming visual mental associations with vocabulary has been proven by studies to significantly improve recall – both short and long term. Using this method of memorization is also a much more enjoyable process than rote memorization, which helps maintain consistency of practice and review.
Secondly, the process of association forces you to pay attention by using your imagination. This in itself must improve your recall because in order to remember, you first must be paying attention. This may seem obvious, but quite often when memorizing foreign vocabulary the mind “drifts” after many repetitions.
In order for this process to be as effective as possible, follow these simple guidelines:
Make sure you vividly see a mental picture in your mind’s eye of the association (i.e. really see a big “fish man” in your mind). Use your imagination! The length of time you see the image in your mind is secondary to the vividness and clarity of the image.
Associations that are mundane, common or logical will work poorly. The more silly, absurd, or gruesome the association, the better the information will be encoded (memorized). An emotional response to the association will also help cement the information.
Single items are not remembered as well as multiple items or items out of proportion (very large or very small). Therefore try to include many (thousands, millions, etc.) items in your associations (e.g. see thousands of ‘fish-men’) or items out of proportion (massive, huge, tiny, etc.).
Often words will be substituted for one another – for example, if the definition is ‘rock’ but the association sounds like ‘cans’ picture a huge rock made out of cans.
Use these mnemonics as guidelines – if a different association comes to mind, use yours! What is “striking” to one person may not be memorable to another.
Limit your time of memorizing vocabulary to as long as you can pay attention. Words will not be encoded into your memory if you are not focused. I suggest memorizing for no more than 20 minutes per session. After 20 minutes take a break or work on something different. Then, if desired, come back to memorizing.
Give yourself time to learn. Memories may consolidate while we sleep. So, in a sense, learning does take place when you sleep. If you are having difficulty memorizing - sleep on it. You will find that resting improves your recall after putting in the initial memory work.
There does not need to be an exact correspondence between the English and the Hebrew “sound alike” or substitute word – you only want to ‘cue’ your memory.
This mnemonics list has been formatted so that the definitions may be covered when reviewing. Likewise, to ensure long-term retention, cover the vocabulary and try to recall the Hebrew by looking at the definition, then write out the Hebrew. This reverse process is critical to recalling vocabulary because it forces you to deeply process the information.
You will encounter Hebrew primarily in writing (which will ‘cue’ your memory as to what this word means by sub-vocalizing the word). In writing out the Hebrew you will be more likely to recall the word when you see it on tests or in the Hebrew Bible.
Studies have proven ‘one way’ memorizing (Hebrew to English definition) works poorly when tested in reverse (English to Hebrew). So study both ways, it only takes a few second more.
Study in a similar way as you expect to be tested. This has been proven effective. If you anticipate an oral vocabulary test, study orally. If you expect a written test, make sure you can identify the written words – hence the benefit of writing out Hebrew vocabulary.
Have fun! If it is enjoyable, you will more likely continue to review, which is essential to retain any information, including Hebrew vocabulary.
Review your vocabulary on a regular basis. Thoroughly “over-learn” vocabulary to bring it into your long-term memory.
Man, Humankind
Adam is a man. From Adam came all mankind.
Bird (s)
Imagine flying oafs as birds.
Brother
Picture your brother holding “Bill the Cat” saying “Ack!”
City
Picture a huge ear as a city.
Daughter
Picture that your daughter is a bat (winged or baseball).
Father / Ancestor
Imagine your father singing “Ave Maria.”
God
Imagine an “L” singing a hymn to God.
Head
Picture yourself with a head made of roast beef.
Heart