BACK-CHAINING| LANGUAGES |FLUENT FOREVER| BLOGGING | LANGUAGE | ENGLISH | LANGUAGE LEARNING| TEFL| ENGLISH TEACHING
Use This Effective Language Learning Technique To Untwist Your Tongue
Reading and pronouncing the word “hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia” will become easy
Ever been picked on and laughed at at school because you didn’t know how to pronounce long words and tongue twisters,
like “otorhinolaryngology”?
Yeah, we all have…It’s no picnic!
Back then, a secret weapon could have speared you those blushes.
This is the exact tutorial that you needed back then…Well, it’s not too late to arm yourself, it will surely come in handy even now.
Look, I completely understand the intimidation that long words can bring.
This fear is known as:
- “hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia”
or
- “sesquipedaliophobia.”
It isn’t just about the length of the words; it’s about the overwhelming feeling that they can’t be mastered.
But what if I told you there’s a straightforward, an extremely simple method to conquer this fear?
In Gabriel Wyner’s book, “Fluent Forever,” a technique known as back-chaining is introduced.
This method isn’t just a theoretical concept but a practical tool that leverages our brain’s wiring to make learning easier.
What Is Back-Chaining?
Back-Chaining is a learning method that involves breaking down complex words into smaller, manageable parts and then learning them from the end to the beginning.
Instead of starting with the first syllable and moving forward, you start with the last syllable and work your way backwards.
Benefits of Back-Chaining
1. Reduces Cognitive Load: By breaking down words into smaller pieces, your brain has less information to process at once, which reduces overwhelm.
2.Boosts Confidence: Starting with the easiest part of the word (the end) and achieving success early in the process increases confidence and reduces anxiety.
3.Enhances Retention: This method ensures that each part of the word is learned throughly, which improves long-term retention.
Why Back- Chaining Works
From a neuroscientific standpoint, back-chaining is effective because it capitalizes on how our brains form neural pathways for language.
When you focus on smaller segments and gradually build up to the whole, you’re essentially strengthening the connections between neurons associated with each syllable.
This method promotes better retention and recall, making it easier to learn not just words but complex information in general.
Neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, plays a crucial role here.
Each time you practice a segment, you strengthen the pathway.
By repeatedly adding more information (or syllables), you expand the network, integrating new data with what’s already known.
Fun Fact:
Back-chaining or in this case often referred to as backward chaining is a highly effective technique used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to teach individuals with autism new skills and promote independence.
How To Use Back-Chaining?
Imagine you’re trying to pronounce
“pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis” – This is the longest word in English, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, a daunting word to say the least.
It is a name that has been invented for a lung disease caused by breathing in very small pieces of ash or dust.
Here’s how you would apply back-chaining:
1. Break It Down
Split the word into smaller syllables or chunks.
For example: – coniosis, – volcanoconiosis, – silicovolcanoconiosis, etc.
2. Start Small
Begin with the last syllable. Say “coniosis” several times until you feel comfortable with it.
3. Build It Up
Once you’re confident with the last syllable, add the next chunk to it. Repeat “volcanoconiosis” until it feels natural.
4. Continue Adding
Keep adding more syllables to the beginning, repeating each extended chunk until you can articulate it easily.
5. Complete The Word
Finally, pronounce the entire word.
By now, it should feel less intimidating and more familiar.
Let’s play a little truth or dare!
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you:
- How would you adapt the back-chaining method to other areas of learning besides language?
- Could it help with memorizing sequences in music, steps in a dance routine, or even complex mathematical formulas?
Write your thoughts in the comments.
For the dare:
- Try out the back-chaining technique with a long word or a tricky tongue twister.
- Show it to a friend, a family member, or even a colleague.
- Share in the comments which word or tongue twister you chose, who you demonstrated it to, and their reaction.
- Were they as impressed by your pronunciation skills as you were?
Let’s hear your stories!
If you liked my post, I invite you to leave a comment, click (50) claps, and subscribe to get notified when I post!
Consider joining our supportive Holication Holistic Publication!
