Origins of the method
James Harvey
Comedy Improv and Dance facilitator, IT Pro, Writer, Publisher and Coach.
My aim is to provide a method of learning Indonesian which anyone can use, that not only makes words easy to remember, but is presented in a manner which is engaging, comical and highly effective.
Learning a new language hard or boring?
Words go in one ear and out the other?
Worried you’ll make a fool of yourself
Want a fun way that’s quick and lasts?
I wrote these books to share with you a method of learning that’s fun, effective and easy. My first lessons in Indonesian were tough, clumsy and hard work. However, I persisted, because I wanted so much to speak to a girl I’d fallen for. What a motivation!!!
I needed a better way to remember words which was not so boring and was longer lasting.
Many years ago, I was reading a book about memory and how to use stories to remember lists of things. Using word associations is a bit like that.
Being a Comedy Improv instructor, I started creating word associations that made me laugh (or groan) , the more ridiculous the better. My ability to remember words and my confidence, shot up. I was delighted!
Learning new words became easy and fun and that’s what I want to share with you.
Indonesian and Malaysian are relatively easy languages to learn. They have no verb tenses or gender association and a simple structure. Once you’ve got the hang of the word order, pretty much all you need is vocabulary.
Click Get Started and see how it works for you! All the best, James
Using word association Memory Boosters you learn words fast and effectively.
I discovered James’s book and app and couldn’t stop laughing! And to my surprise I remember every word and its meaning. – Lucy
How much = Berapa
Imagine at the market you want to know how much for the sarong but you can’t hear because of the rapping bears. How many bear-rappers are there?
Put yourself in the scene as if you are actually there.
Later = Nanti
Imagine you are excited that later you will go to your Nan’s for Tea and have Nan-Tea.
The funnier, more ludicrous or emotive and association you make the strong the memory of it will be.
Will = Akan (Pr: Ah-kaan)
Imagine you are at an airfield and you will learn to fly, then you can tell everyone “Ah I can”.
We tend to remember things like your wedding, great holidays and particularly things that are funny or unusual.
Beach = Pantai
Imagine you go to the beach and everyone has a pan around their necks. You ask someone and they explain it’s the new fashion beach wear called a Pan Tie.
If it makes us laugh – (or groan) all the better.
In/ At/ On = Di
Imagine you are in trouble deep when you forget to leave your tax return on the table at the Tax Office.
You’re linking your playful, creative brain with your logical memory brain. That’s how we remember best!
What’s in the Book
What’s in the App
The book contains everything you need to speak and write Indonesian for travelling and holidays.
The books are structured so you get the most out of using the technique of word association and some diversions for light relief. The simplicity of presentation, humor and cartoons, make learning a joy rather than a chore.
Here’s a summary of what you’ll find…
Over 400 words of Vocabulary
You’ll be guided through over 400 words to learn in an order specially designed to support learning (avoid confusion). Each learning set has a section to check your learning so you can review your progress.
Language structure
Yes, there is some Grammar to handle, but you won’t really notice. It’s handled in the book using terms anyone can understand and introduced as it’s needed, allowing you to concentrate on vocabulary rather than technical skills.
Useful phrases
Phrases are introduced to give you practice at making sentences. This book is not intended to be a phrase book, but instead, to give you what you need to be able to make up the phrases yourself.
Slang and sms speak
Slang is abundant in Malaysia & Indonesia , (especially in Jakarta). Having a background will help you navigate the most commonly used forms and give you kudos when you trip them out like a native. Also, if you do enter the realm of texting, this section will help you understand some of the short forms used.
The country and it’s customs in brief
Whenever you travel and whenever you communicate with other people, it really helps to know some of the culture so avoid those embarrassing “foot in mouth” moments.
Pronunciation and alphabet
This section is useful to support you in the correct pronunciation of words, especially when reading a word that you’ve never seen before.
What’s in the App
- Instant access to over 460 words
- Learn the words and phrases you want only when you want
- Eliminate words or phrases you already know
- A unique way to learn phrases
- Review your learning as often as you like
- Save your favorites
- Quickly view words and phrases (no internet required)
- Play games to reinforce your learning
- Certified by native Indonesian speakers
Link new words to words you know
Cat = Kucing
Imagine a Cat stuck in a till. You open the till and it makes the sound, ku-ching!
Fast - Fun - Effective
I also have a Malaysian book & app available.
Paperback and ebooks are available from these suppliers.
Learn words 3 times faster
Retain words 75% longer
No more learning by rote!
Proven method – Atkinson & Raugh
Retention
88% Words retained using the method
27% Words retained learning by rote
Studies carried out by Atkinson & Raugh showed for learning Spanish – the results were 3 times better than learning using traditional methods. (Full PDF)
Recall
50% Better immediate recall
75% Improvement longer term
Other tests showed a considerable improvement in immediate recall. The associations used were very simple and still the results were marked.
Resources
Don’t try so hard
MIT Study A study from MIT shows that trying harder can actually make some aspects of learning more difficult. Most of us recognise that Children have a far easier time learning languages than Adults (and of course some researchers with lots of time on their hands...