Mot du jour Tips

Getting the most out of the Mot du jour

If you visit the Mot du jour page every weekday, you're well on your way to increasing your French vocabulary. But what can you do to retain all of those new words? Here is a collection of tips and tricks from other Mot du jour lovers.

  
Print-outs

I print out the Mot du jour each day, then listen to the words pronounced on your web site.

I print out the Mot du jour. Then I write the word 5 times and write the sentences that are given. Then I write my own sentence. I save the printouts and review them every once in a while.

I print out the mot du jour as well as copy/paste them into a simple text file. I find that just a small tidbit of information is not too overwhelming and as such I can absorb the lesson. At a later date I will refer back to the "Mot du jour" in order to reinforce what I have already learned.

  
Flash Cards

I write the word and phrase on an index card with the meaning on the back. I have a stack that I pull out once a day and test myself. They're nice and small, easy to carry around to glance through while on the bus, etc.

I periodically cut and paste all of the info into a Word file, print them out, and then slap them on an index card with my trusty glue stick. That way I have all the info at hand. I started out by writing out the definitions, sample sentences, etc. but I didn't have the time to keep up with that and needed a quick and easy way to keep a handle on things.

My goal for now is just to increase my comprehension, so I read over cards, quiz myself by glancing at the word in red and thinking about the definition, and then look for the words in French materials (when I have the time). Other than that I'll just whip through the cards during commercials, etc. I have been surprised at how many words will pop up from Mot du Jour. I'm hoping that the more I encounter them in realia, the more likely they'll be available to me when I speak.

I have just invested in 2500 blank business cards - cheaper than index cards from stationers. If I don't know the word I write the French on one side and the English on the other. I go through the stack several times a week. I shuffle the stack so that some words are French uppermost some English uppermost. If I guess correctly in both directions, the card goes to a different stack which I look at less frequently. This method has advantages of computerised methods since the stack can be taken anywhere - great for waiting for trains, planes, etc. Don't forget the rubber bands.

How to make flash cards
 

Writing

I keep a "vocabulary notebook" to which I can add words and then review them periodically. Also, I crosscheck them in the dictionary, and make a notation of synonyms.

I write the word and the related phrases and words in a vocabulary notebook. If it is a verb I will write the verb on a note card so that I may study throughout the day. I will then take the word of the day and with the other words from the same week, I will write an essay. This is helpful as it allows for the study of the word with creative application.

When I come across new vocabulary, I try to find synonyms or opposites for the words. I look at the new words for few days to make sure that i have not forgotten them. Then I write a short a paragraph to make sure that I use the words correctly.

A good writing exercise is the 100 words exercise. Write 100 words every day (no more, no less). You can use a program like Word to help you with this. If you make a point of throwing in French Mots du jour then it'll be good practice!

  
On the Computer

I save each Mot du jour into a folder. Each day as I add the new word to the folder, I review the list from the titles. If I don't remember the definition I open the file to "cheat." After a while I will begin deleting the ones I am totally comfortable with.

I file all the Mots in a separate folder and look at it when I have the time. If I see something I'm very likely to use in conversation, I write it down in my notebook.

When I look at the list of words I can refresh my memory and try to compose sentences using the mots until I can recognize the Mot instantly - then I delete it.

I have a word file where I put each and every new word. To master them, I read them once when I open the Mot du jour page, again when I transfer it to the word list, and once more when I enter the next new word.

One piece of software that I find very useful in helping me learn vocabulary is Super Memo, a form of electronic flash cards. It's perfect for remembering the Mot du jour. I paste each day's content into Super Memo. I also often look up word in the dictionary and books so as to get more examples of how the word is used. Apart from the dictionary, I also like to use Google to look up more examples. Every useful bit of info I've found are pasted into Super Memo to make sure that my efforts will not be wasted. Overall it's a very efficient process in acquiring vocab.

Another good vocabulary program is BYKI.

Making the most of your commute

I spend about 6-10 hours per week commuting in my car - HUGE waste of time. So, every couple of weeks, I record myself saying, spelling, defining, etc. all my Mots so I can listen to them in the car and work on my French.

I record the words, their English translations and one or two French sentences using the words on casette tapes so I can practice them in the car driving to and from work.

I sometimes print out stuff to read while on the bus. Sometimes it's easier to read printed pages than to hold up a thick book with one hand!

Exercising body and brain at the same time

I print them out, take them to the gym and when I'm doing the elliptical trainer or the treadmill I go over all the notes. Makes time pass really fast, and I learn at the same time!

About a month ago I started swimming up and down a lap pool for around an hour a couple of times a week (healthy but can be boring!). I have taken to repeating a selection of Mots du Jour as I swim. It is amazing - as soon as I begin, the black line on the bottom of the pool is just a trigger for Mots du Jour to come to mind!

Other practice ideas

Try to use the new word at least two or three times within the next few days. Once you use it a few times, it will stick in your head. You can use it while speaking or writing, just so long as you use it. :-) One good place to practice is on the forum - just drop in and post a practice message or two using the word of the day.

We had a French exchange student living with us last summer and I frequently write to his mother, who is very fluent in English. When I do, I try to incorporate French words, phrases or expressions that I have learned into my letters. We have become very close friends and she thinks it's great that I am trying to learn her language.

Study the word a few times, and then try to work it into a sentence. Aside from posting in the forum, practice the words with a fellow learner or write them down. Keep a French journal.

I use the word of the day as my home page, so every time I open the net, there it is! I also review each word briefly before I get to the current day's word. At the start of the month, this goes quickly but near the end... well you get the picture. In a 30-day month, word #1 has been reviewed 30 times! It's really sticking by then, but the ending word gets the short end of the stick.

  
Et cetera

I like to compare the word lookup in my dictionary. How does the definition in English compare to the definition in French? Do the entries in the two languages correspond?

I use the Link-word concept to help me. There was a series of language books pulished in the 1980's by Dr. M. Gruneburg. Basically you link the French word you're trying to learn with a mental image which incorporates the word itself. The more ridiculous the image the better (it seems). For example, the French for "dress" is « une robe » so remember that someone ROBS you of your dress! I have found this method useful, especially for those words that you just can't remember. The only drawback is that you find your mind being filled with ever more ridiculous mental images!

I have an electronic translator which gives you the option of adding new words to a list. Each day I add the Mot du jour to the list. My job takes me out of office a lot, so while waiting to meet with someone, or even waiting in line at the bank, etc., I use the opportunity to review my list and study as many of the words as possible.

J'essaie d'utiliser le mot du jour pendant toute la journée. Il se peut que tout le monde me croie un peu fou, mais je me parle en français souvent pendant la journée afin de m'entraîner. Heureusement, mon compagnon parle un peu de français aussi, donc je lui parle en français dans la maison. Je me sers de nouveaux mots que tu m'as enseignés et je décris à moi-même ce que je fais pendant la journée entière en essayant d'utiliser autant de mots que possible chaque jour. Si je fais quelque chose que je ne peux pas expliquer en français, je cherche les mots dans un de mes dictionnaires.

I try to use the Mot du jour throughout the whole day. Everyone might think me a little crazy, but I often talk to myself in French throughout the day in order to train myself. Fortunately, my partner speaks a little French too, so I talk to him in French at home. I use the new words and I describe to myself what I am doing all day while trying to use as many words as possible each day. If I do something I can't explain in French, I look for the words in one of my dictionaries.

I am convinced that little and often is the best method for memorising new vocabulary. Certainly it is the very best method and to endeavour to use the new word as often as you can will ensure a good result!

When I learn a new word, I usually try to think of a word in Russian or Latin that sounds similar, or evokes a distinct association with the French word in question. For example, the verb "to soften," ramoullir, I remember that it is a regular -ir verb, and then I remember that the first syllable is the Russian word for windowpane, rama. It sounds complicated, but it really works fast after you've gotten the hang of it. The same with gender. I usually think back to Russian and make an association if the gender of the Russian word is the same or not. I know it is personal, but try it on for size, see if it works for you, maybe with Spanish or some other language.

I don't learn most words by seeing them just once or twice. Some stick in my head the first time, but mainly it is repetition. Also, you have to distinguish between recognizing a word when you see it in context, and knowing it so well that you can use it in conversation. I find that I have to keep reading French and seeing words many, many times, before I can really say I know them. So the "word for the day" is useful either to introduce a word I haven't seen, or to reinforce one that I have.

Create a test sheet on which you can work with your new words every day. Every time you learn a new word create a question about this word and put it on the test sheet, make up exercises: a sentence with a blank space in it, or put an antonym or a synonym to it, use any technique they use in vocabulary training books. Create a test for yourself and at the end of the month do it. This is a good way to train your long term memory. And do it more than once.

Also see Improving your French Vocabulary for more ideas.

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