Why Do You Always Forget the Words You've Learned? Because Your Approach to Language Learning Has Been Flawed From the Outset.

Does this sound familiar? You spent several evenings, finally committing a long list of vocabulary to memory. Yet within days, they'd vanished without a trace from your mind, as if they'd never been there. You dutifully check in on apps, you pore over textbooks, but learning a language can feel like pouring water into a leaky bucket – a lot of effort for very little return.

Why is this happening? Is it because, as adults, our brains have simply 'rusted'?

Not at all. The problem is, we've been using the wrong approach to learning all along.

Stop "Reading" the Recipe – Get in the Kitchen and Cook for Once!

Imagine you want to learn how to make braised pork. Would you just cling to a cookbook, repeatedly reciting terms like "chop, blanch, caramelise the sugar, slow-braise", or would you step into the kitchen and try it for yourself?

The answer is clear. It's only by personally cutting the meat, sensing the oil temperature, and smelling the aroma of soy sauce that your body and brain will truly 'learn' how to prepare the dish. The next time you cook it, you might not even need the recipe.

Learning a language follows the same principle.

We often assume that learning a language is simply about 'memorising vocabulary' and 'recalling grammar', much like reading a cookbook from which you'll never actually prepare a meal. But the essence of language isn't just knowledge; it's a skill – one that demands your full, active participation.

This is why children learn languages so quickly. They aren't 'studying'; they're 'playing'. When Mum says "cuddle", they extend their arms; when Dad says "no", they pull back their little hands. Every word is intrinsically linked to a concrete action, a genuine feeling.

They're 'cooking' with their bodies, not 'reading recipes' with their eyes.

Your Brain Prefers 'Active' Memory

Science tells us our brain isn't a 'filing cabinet' for words; it's a vast 'network' of countless interconnected neurons.

When you simply read the word "jump" silently, there's only a faint signal in your brain. But when you read "jump" and simultaneously actually jump, the situation changes entirely. Your visual, auditory, and motor cortices are all activated simultaneously, weaving together a stronger, more robust memory network.

This action is like laying a 'motorway' over the pathways of memory, allowing information to travel faster and be less likely to be forgotten.

This is why many years later, you might forget a line of poetry, but you'll never forget how to ride a bicycle. That's because cycling is a type of muscle memory, ingrained in your muscles and nerves.

How to Learn a Language Like 'Cooking'?

The good news is that every one of our brains retains this powerful learning capacity. Now, you just need to reawaken it.

Forget those tedious word lists and try these methods instead:

1. 'Act Out' the Words: When learning "open the door", actually perform the action of opening a door; when learning "drink water", pick up a mug and take a sip. Turn your room into an interactive stage.
2. Play "Command Games": Find a friend and play 'Simon Says' in the language you're learning. For example, "Simon says, touch your nose". This is not only fun but also helps you react quickly and unconsciously.
3. Tell Stories with Your Body: When learning a new story or dialogue, try performing it with exaggerated body language. You'll find that both the plot and the vocabulary stick with exceptional tenacity.

The core principle is simple: Get your body involved.

When you transform language from a 'mental exercise' into a 'full-body workout', you'll find it's no longer a burden but a pleasure. Memory no longer requires conscious effort; it occurs naturally.

Of course, once you've mastered basic vocabulary and the 'feel' of the language through physical engagement, the next step is to apply them in real conversations. But what if you don't have a language partner readily available?

This is where technology can be a huge help. A chat app like Intent has built-in AI real-time translation, allowing you to communicate seamlessly with people all over the world. You can boldly express yourself using the vocabulary and actions you've just learned; even if you make a mistake, the other person can understand you through the translation, and you'll instantly see the most authentic way to phrase it. It transforms language practice from a stressful 'exam' into a relaxed and enjoyable real-world conversation.

So, stop complaining about your poor memory. It's not that your memory is poor; it's simply that you've been using the wrong method.

From today, stop being a 'food critic' of language, merely observing without doing. Step into the 'kitchen' and start 'cooking' your new language. You'll be amazed to discover how adept your brain actually is at 'learning'.