Utilization of the Hookword Method for the Learning of Polish Vocabulary

Abstract

The hookword method of learning foreign language vocabulary evolved by Paivio (1978) is far less widely known than the keyword method of Pressley and his associates and has been subject to very little experimentation. Furthermore, although intended as a rehearsal and learning technique to be used by any individual learner independently of a teacher and any material constraints, virtually no attempt has been made to implement it.Originally developed for the learning of French vocabulary, the system was adapted by the author for use with Polish. Following a description of the method, it is shown how this adaptation was accomplished. A number of positive and neutral observations are listed which were recorded over the twelve-month period in which it was employed; drawbacks of the method are then described and discussed.The overall experience was positive in so far as it gave insights into the potential of imagery as a memory and learning aid and in that it substantially augmented and reinforced the author's Polish lexis at no cost to any other activity.