The phenomenon of context-dependent memory

Experience, knowledge, ideas…. These terms often have different interpretations, but each of us knows how important they are. When you need to cope with something in this world -- it’s inter alia about skills and… context-dependent memory.

The idea of context-dependent memory is when a song, a smell, a photograph, etc. can bring you back to a particular moment. Certain things or places help you to access exact memories -- the brain retrieves necessary info from long-term storage.

So if you want to memorize some info, it’s better to do it in an environment that is as similar as the one in which you are to recall and use this data.

If the acquired knowledge is going to be tested in a quiet place, then try to learn the information in similar conditions. If you need to recall the material in a noisy office, then study the topic in а busy area. Clothes, flavors, music, images and characters -- everything matters. Design a future test environment in advance -- and the answers will then likely come to you much more easily.

Context-based approach in learning English

But how does context work in terms of the English language teaching and learning? Context-dependent memory is a simple and efficient way to remember more foreign words.

For example, Alberto is Italian, he is learning English. He is watching The Office. In one of the episodes Dwight Shrute exclaims: ‘What are you doing, man, that's part of a hilarious job plan!’ Alberto uses eLang Extension to translate ‘hilarious’ and finds out that it means ‘esilarante’ in his native Italian. To memorize the word better, he associates it with Dwight Shrute and the situation that is displayed. Next time Alberto meets ‘hilarious’, his memory will turn to Dwight’s image and prompt the meaning of the word.

Many tutors teach vocabulary in context -- students are encouraged to use context to deduce meaning, and relate forms to their own experience. By learning more English words and phrases, you develop a basis for comparison. The context of the earlier memory helps you learn the new fact faster.

Still it is important to note that the more types of memory you use, the better results. If you want to master beautiful and competent English, try to perceive it performed by a native speaker. But how to ensure immersion in a foreign language environment without attending specialized courses or traveling abroad?

Useful advice for effective English learning

It’s time to enrich your browser functionality with eLang Extension. We all watch movies, TV series and shows. Using eLang Extension turns Netflix, YouTube or Coursera subtitles into a smart language learning companion. For smartphones you can install eLang e-TV application. Start enjoying videos with dual subtitles, easily translate and save unfamiliar English words, practice them in games.

Learning English with the help of eLang is easy, interesting and effective. You get the opportunity to watch various content (movies, series, courses, etc.) in the original performance, listening to native speakers and improving comprehension. And don’t forget about the embedded powerful English translator. It is always at hand – just point or tap a word to get all necessary details.

To sum up

Context-dependent memory phenomenon + principles of gamification = growing self-confidence without any stress. With eLang products it’s easy to immerse and learn new English words almost everywhere (unless you are a skydiver and trying to do this during freefall).

Start learning English with eLang Extension and eLang-TV application today to be confident in the future!