Mnemonic

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A mnemonic (RpE: /nəˈmɒnᵻk/, AmE: /nɛˈmɑːnɪk/ the first "m" is silent), mnemonic device, or memory device is any learning technique that aids information retention in the human memory.

Description

Mnemonics aim to translate information into a form that the brain can retain better than its original form.

Commonly encountered mnemonics are often used for lists, and in auditory form, such as short poems, acronyms, or memorable phrases.

Mnemonics can also be used for other types of information, and in visual or kinesthetic forms.

Their use is based on the observation that the human mind more easily remembers spatial, personal, surprising, physical, sexual, humorous, or otherwise "relatable" information, rather than more abstract or impersonal forms of information.

Etymology

The word "mnemonic" is derived from the Ancient Greek word μνημονικός (mnēmonikos), meaning "of memory, or relating to memory" and is related to Mnemosyne ("remembrance"), the name of the goddess of memory in Greek mythology.

Both of these words are derived from μνήμη (mnēmē), "remembrance, memory".

Metaphor

A mnemonic may be a metaphor.

Mnemonics in antiquity

Mnemonics in antiquity were most often considered in the context of what is today known as the art of memory.

Ancient Greeks and Romans distinguished between two types of memory:

  • Natural memory
  • Artificial memory

Natural memory

Natural memory is inborn, and is the one that everyone uses instinctively.

Artificial memory

The artificial memory in contrast has to be trained and developed through the learning and practice of a variety of mnemonic techniques.

Mnemonic systems

Mnemonic systems are techniques or strategies consciously used to improve memory.

They help use information already stored in long-term memory to make memorization an easier task.

See also

External links