A mnemonic, is a memory technique that relates or pegs a sequence of familiar information to a new thing that is to be remembered. Commonly used mnemonics are verbal, such as a very short poem, visual, kinesthetic, auditory or a combination.. They work on the basis that our mind is better at remembering information which is relevant and meaningful to us, particularly that which involves a number of our senses.
Try and learn how to count in Japanese using the following. It helps if you act them out!
1. Scratch your arm. (itchy = ichi – “1” in Japanese)
2. Point to your knee. (knee = ni – “2” in Japanese, etc.)
3. Put your arms over your head in a circle, like the sun. (sun = san)
4. Cover your mouth and yawn. (yawn = yon)
5. Pump your arms and jog in place. (go = go)
6. Twist your hand as if around a padlock. (lock = roku)
7. Pretend to peel a banana. (banana = nana)
8. Put your hands up to your nose and sneeze. (achoo = hachi)
9. Flap your arms like a bird. (coo = ku)
10. Hold your hand up to your mouth, as if drinking from a cup. (juice = ju)
For more information, please contact our mobile rehab team or neurological rehabilitation service. We are also found on the Medibank Private occupational therapy and physiotherapy providers list.
Stay tune for Part 4!
Image courtesy of digitalart, at Free Digital Photo. [Online] Available at: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Retail_and_Sales_g195-Man_Mind_With_Barcode_p43387.html (Accessed on 14th December, 2014)