Many think that cramming up a huge book like barrons or some long wordlists from the internet is the way to improve vocabulary. I beg to differ. Vocabulary improvement is the ability to use new words such that the intention and expression match each other much better. Usually people think in their native language but try to speak it out in English! That's when even most serious statement sounds funny. In some cases, the funniest statement does not make sense at all. Take any good proverb from your native language and try to literally rephrase it in English. You will agree with me that the essence is lost. Vocabulary is beyond just words. Its about grammer, roots, phrases, idioms, contextual meanings of words, etc.
Expressing yourself in the best way even means to understand the other person's culture. If you are in the United States, you may want to start your conversation by shaking hands. If you are in deep southern India, shaking hands is considered bad! Now, to translate "shaking hands" without knowing the cultural significance, is very difficult.
The crux of the story is that words are important and learning them has to be a more continuous activity. Keep studying; keep using. As you meet more, read more, you are more likely to learn more and increase your vocabulary automatically.
- http://aptuse.com - Test your vocabulary.
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