Tip 5 for language learners and a BUT … (text)
So, you’ve managed to make it to Tip 5. Congratulations on your perseverance! You
Trial and error is an approach you can use with varying levels of success. By having fun with it, I managed to boost my language knowledge, my confidence, as well as a sense of comfort using and playing with the new language.
While talking with friends in a bar, I heard the word ‘burrice’ (stupidity/stupidness). It was new to me, but I knew the word ‘burro’ (stupid/donkey/jackass). I inquired about this category. They then introduced me to other nouns like this, including ‘mesmice’ (sameness) from ‘mesmo’ (same) and a myriad of other words ending in ‘ice’: ‘tolice’ (silliness), ‘velhice’ (old age, later life) and the ever-colourful ‘filho-da-putice’ (son-of-a-bitchness). This opened my eye to the idea of generalised rules. That is, aspects of word formation (it applies to grammar, too) that can be applied to other words. This generalisation of suffix and prefix use allowed me to experiment with words that I already knew to, once again, expand my vocabulary.
Tip number 5: applying rules to words to experiment can help you expand your vocabulary, BUT you can and will make lots of mistakes, which can be embarrassing. You need to have thick skin to use this strategy. Trial and error works, but you need to be persistent.
Still today, I apply these general rules to new words and it is a lot of fun. Some people find my “creations” hilarious, and it helps raise linguistic awareness about what we say and what we mean. I love this technique.
The next tip (Tip 6) is not for amateurs. Hold onto your hats…