How to Make a Language Notebook
I’ve been using a language notebook for about a month now, and I finally figured out a format that works for me, so I figured I’d share it with you guys! Keep in mind these are only recommendations, feel free to do your own thing if you think it’ll be more convenient for you!
Okay, so to start, here’s what you’ll need:
I recommend three pens of different colours. I used blue, orange and black. The blue is for words/ sentences in my target language. I chose a dark colour so they would stand out more. The orange, a light colour, is for words/ sentences in my native language (or English, in my case). It’s a lighter colour because it makes the blue stand out more, so I focus more on the words in my target language instead of the English ones. The black is for titles, drawings, and words in another language that isn’t my target or my native. For example, I compare German with Spanish in this entry:
As you can see, the German phrases are in blue because it’s my target language. The explanations in English are in orange, and the title and Spanish words are in black.
Some people recommend separating grammar and vocabulary. This is an excellent idea if you have many notebooks or notebooks with different sections. If you don’t, it’s not a problem. I only use one notebook, which works for me, because I don’t use it too much (it’s mostly a space to write down stuff I like, not stuff I will necessarily use). If you plan on using your notebook in a more serious manner, but cannot afford to get several notebooks, I recommend you write everything concerning vocabulary (or grammar) in the front of the notebook, and the rest (grammar or vocabulary, it depends) at the back. Make sure to not use a very thin notebook though!
If you don’t feel the need to separate grammar and vocabulary, there are ways of dividing the topics:
I have four different topics in my language notebook: vocabulary, grammar, verbs, and miscellaneous. To divide them, I add sticky tabs of different colours next to each entry. For example, vocabulary is pink, grammar is blue, verbs are orange, and miscellaneous is green.
This allows me to see what the topic is immediately, and it makes my notebook very colourful!
It doesn’t exactly have to be 4 centimeters, but it shouldn’t be more than a third of the page. This margin (I place mine on the right of the page) is for any notes you might want to add about the entry. For example, definitions, formal/ informal forms, etc. It doesn’t necessarily have to be used for every entry, but it’s easier to trace it for all, instead of just adding it when you need it. It’s also a good place to put the sticky tabs (refer to the previous image). I trace the line with a pencil so that it’s lighter and more discreet than the rest of the writing, but that’s up to you.
One last thing you’ll (maybe) need: an index/ key! I don’t personally have an index, because I have too many entries per page, but a key is definitely useful if you use the sticky tab method. I still haven’t gotten around to making one, but that’s because I’m lazy Just write it (or stick it) on the back of the cover so you don’t waste a page on it.
Next you’ll need to decide what to write in the notebook. If you already know what to write, great! If not, here are some suggestions:
- Grammar rules/ verb conjugations/ etc. that you struggle with
- Funny sayings or random slang you learn
- Tumblr posts (these are great because they are generally explained simply, but make sure to check the info, because there might be some small mistakes)
- Journal entries (these are a great way to practice what you’ve written in previous entries!)
It doesn’t all have to be useful, necessarily. I have jokes, and puns that I might never use, but that are funny anyways. I find it’s a great way to stay motivated!
If you want more photos from my notebook, you can find ‘em here :)
So yeah, that’s all! :D I hope you guys like it, and feel free to ask me questions about my language notebook!
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