Why Do You Keep Forgetting the Words You Learn? Because Your Approach to Language Learning Was Flawed from the Start.

Have you ever experienced this?

You spend several nights, finally memorising a long list of vocabulary. But within a few days, they vanish from your mind without a trace, as if they never existed. You diligently check in on apps, pore over textbooks, but learning a language feels like pouring water into a leaky bucket – arduous, and with minimal returns.

Why does this happen? Is it because, as adults, our brains have "rusted"?

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

Stop Just "Reading" Recipes – It's Time to Get Cooking!

Imagine this: you want to learn to make Braised Pork Belly. Would you merely cling to a recipe book, repeatedly reciting terms like "cut into pieces, blanch, caramelise sugar, slow cook," or would you step into the kitchen and try your hand at it?

The answer is obvious. Only by physically cutting the meat, sensing the oil temperature, and smelling the aroma of soy sauce will your body and brain truly "learn" how to make this dish. Next time you make it, you might not even need the recipe.

The same principle applies to language learning.

We often assume that language learning is merely about "memorising vocabulary" and "recalling grammar," much like reading a recipe book that you'll never actually cook from. However, the essence of language isn't just a body of knowledge; it's a skill – one that demands your full engagement.

This is why children learn languages so quickly. They aren't "studying"; they're "playing". When a mother says "hug," they instinctively extend their arms; when a father says "no," they retract their little hands. Every word is intricately linked to a specific action and a real feeling.

They are "cooking" with their bodies, not merely "reading recipes" with their eyes.

Your Brain Prefers "Active" Memories

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

When you merely read the word "jump" to yourself, only a faint signal registers in your brain. But when you read "jump" while simultaneously performing the action, the scenario changes entirely. Your visual, auditory, and motor cortices are all activated simultaneously, collectively weaving a stronger, more robust memory network.

This active engagement is like paving a "highway" for memory pathways, allowing information to be transmitted faster and making it less prone to being forgotten.

This is why many years later, you might forget a poem, but you'll never forget how to ride a bicycle. Because cycling is a physical memory; it's etched into your muscles and nerves.

How to Learn a Language Like "Cooking"?

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

Forget monotonous vocabulary lists; try these methods instead:

1. Act out the words: When learning "open the door," actually do the action of opening a door; when learning "drink water," pick up a cup 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 instance, "Simon says, touch your nose." This is not only fun but also helps you develop quick, subconscious reactions.
3. Tell stories with your body: When learning a new story or dialogue, try to perform it using exaggerated body language. You'll find that both the storyline and vocabulary stick exceptionally well.

The core idea is simple: Get your body involved.

When you transform language from a "mental labour" into a "full-body exercise," you'll find it's no longer a burden, but a joy. Memory no longer needs deliberate effort; it occurs naturally.

Of course, once you've physically mastered basic vocabulary and feelings, the next step is to use them in real conversations. But what if you don't have a language partner around?

This is where technology can be a great help. Chat applications like Intent, with their built-in AI real-time translation, enable you to communicate seamlessly with people worldwide. You can confidently express yourself using the vocabulary and actions you've just learned; even if you make errors, the other person can understand you via translation, and you'll instantly see the most authentic phrasing. It transforms language practice from a stressful "exam" into a relaxed and fun real conversation.

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

Starting today, stop being a language "food critic" who merely observes and doesn't engage. Step into the "kitchen," and start "cooking" your new language. You'll be surprised to discover just how adept your brain actually is at "learning."