Phonetic Encoding
An Introduction to Phonetic Encoding
Phonetic encoding is a mnemonic technique involving the translation of an abstract and/or unfamiliar word into a similar sounding, more familiar, concrete, and high imagery word.
Craik and Lockhart (1972) have suggested that because phonetic encoding takes place at a more shallow level of processing than that at which semantic encoding is conducted, it will produce a weaker memory.
Using phonetic encoding, one might translate the name Helen into melon. Because of the high phonetic association of these words, if a melon were visualized, the name Helen would likely be readily recalled. The phonetic mnemonic does not necessarily provide a primary associative link between the original stimulus, the appearance of Helen and the image of a melon. Thus, if Helen were to appear, one might not readily think of a melon, and thereby recall the name Helen.
However, if the phonetic mnemonic were used in conjunction with semantic encoding Opens in new window, a critical link between some characteristic of Helen and the image of a melon might be established. If, for example, Helen was rotund, one might have little difficulty thinking of a melon, and thereby recall the name Helen.
Phonetic encoding may also be used in conjunction with the link method of mnemonics. For example, the names Frank, Don and Paul may be translated into the similar sounding, high imagery nouns crank, con and pole. The link mnemonic Opens in new windowmay then be used to associate the images into interacting pairs of images, such as a crank being turned by a con to raise a pole.
Phonetic encoding also forms the basis of the keyword mnemonic Opens in new window. The keyword method is used to assist the recall of new vocabulary words and their meaning. For example, the French word for book is livre (pronounced leave). Using phonetic encoding, one may translate livre into leaf and visualize leaves pressed within a book.
