Effective Learning
Mnemonic Major System
The Major System is a mnemonic technique used to aid in memorizing numbers. It works by converting numbers into consonant sounds, which can then be turned into words by adding any vowels you choose.
1. The Major System
In English, this is the most common mapping:
- 0: S / Z
- 1: T / D
- 2: N
- 3: M
- 4: R
- 5: L
- 6: SH / J / soft CH
- 7: K / G (hard)
- 8: F / V
- 9: P / B
Example: 21 becomes N-T, which could be 'NeT' or 'NuT' or 'NoD' etc.
2. The 00-99 Spine
To make recall faster, we use a 'Spine'—a pre-selected set of 'peg words' for every number from 00 to 99. Instead of inventing a new word every time you see '21', you always use 'NeT'. This consistency builds a strong mental library.
TimeToTime embeds a default spine of carefully chosen words.
3. Century Symbols
When memorizing dates, it's efficient to assign a unique visual symbol to each century. For example, the 1700s might be a 'steam engine'. This allows you to combine the century symbol with the year's spine word in a single mental image.
4. Converting a Date
We can now convert a date, say 1721:
- Century (1700s): Steam Engine
- Year (21): Net
These two elements, NET (21) and STEAM ENGINE (1700s), can be combined to form a single mental image.
Putting It All Together
Memorising that Bach composed a famous piece of music in 1721.
We want to create a memorable scene in which the main part of the event, in this case 'Bach', interacts with the spine word for the year, in this case 'Net'.
Driven by the rhythmic chugging of a steam engine, J.S. Bach frantically weaves his flying musical notes into a tight, golden NET using a giant quill, trapping the melody forever.
If you remember this story, you will have all you need to remember the date!
Imagining the scene
TimeToTime.app will help you visualise the scene too, converting the above into something like the following:
You can create up to 5 images of scenes every day.