* Making connections: It helps you link new words to familiar concepts, words, or experiences. This makes them easier to remember and use.
* Exploiting semantic networks: Our minds store information in interconnected networks. By associating a new word with words we already know, we create new connections within this network, strengthening our understanding and recall.
* Building on prior knowledge: It builds upon existing vocabulary by expanding it with related words, concepts, and meanings.
* Encouraging active learning: It involves actively thinking about relationships between words, promoting deeper engagement and understanding.
* Creating memorable links: By associating words with personal experiences or vivid imagery, you create memorable links that help you retain the information.
For example, if you want to learn the word "audacious," you can associate it with words like "bold," "courageous," or "daring," which you might already know. You could then think of an example of an audacious act, like someone climbing Mount Everest without any prior training.
Word association is a fun and engaging way to build vocabulary, especially when combined with other strategies like reading, writing, and using a dictionary.