Although semantic encoding sounds like a highly complex term, its definition is actually rather simple: it’s a memorization method where additional, personalized meaning is given to a new bit of information to make it easier to remember. A connection is made between seemingly unrelated pieces of data, and this method can be applied to virtually anything you want to memorize.
Therefore, semantic encoding is naturally a fantastic tool for language learning, especially when learning new vocabulary words.
Here’s an example. When studying for my Korean quiz, I had to memorize 친하다 (CHIN ha-da), which means “to be close (as in a relationship)”. Upon seeing this new word on my flashcard, I instantly made a connection. The word for “friend” is 친구 (CHIN gu); friendship inherently evokes the imagery of being close to someone, so I attached my existing knowledge to this new piece of data to form a memorable connection.
Here’s another example. The Spanish word fallar means “to fail”. To me, because fallar includes the English word “fall”, I imagine someone “falling” down and, therefore, “failing”. Although those two words are completely linguistically unrelated, making that association and mental image makes its definition easy to recall.
People unfamiliar with this method may write it off as too impractical or time-consuming. After all, if you’re challenged to write a timed essay or make conversation on the spot in a foreign language, wouldn’t it be too difficult to recall connection after connection just to remember the right words? But chances are, you most likely unconsciously use semantic encoding in everyday life. For example, if someone’s birthday is in December, then you can remember it by linking the month to a family member who also has a birthday in December.
As conceptual networks get larger and connections are strengthened through repeated recall, you won’t even need to make that mental connection before knowing its definition. Rather than constantly going from node to node in remembering each word, gradually recognizing patterns allows you to access only relevant information while skipping over that which you’re already familiar with.
But despite its clear advantages, semantic encoding isn’t infallible. If the connections made between words are weak or the learner overall simply doesn’t have a clear understanding of the new word’s definition, it will be difficult to create a solid network of patterns to rely on to accurately remember new vocabulary. And while it’s one thing to build up vocabulary by gradually forming new connections, it’s another thing entirely to try and memorize pages of words; no matter how effective semantic encoding may be, overwhelming yourself and becoming inundated with details will inevitably lead you to forget important information rather than retaining it.
As with all new concepts—languages, mathematical formulas, instruments—practice is the only key to success. While semantic encoding is not a foolproof method, it’s an inarguably strong one; hopefully, this will not only make your language learning journey more efficient but, most importantly, enjoyable!