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People used to believe that the human brain had dedicated areas that do nothing else. For example, a part that processes auditory information. It seems that this is not exactly correct and that the brain is plastic. Your brain can assign processing activities to various areas. If one area is underused, another activity can move into this area. The old saying 'use it or lose it' is alive and well. We don't lose the function. It is simply used for another activity.

If you don't increase your vocabulary it will appear to you that you are losing words. You will have to pause or insert 'thing. You will have to go on a word search while someone is waiting.

I have a way of increasing your word power or at least retaining your vocabulary as you age...and we are all aging. Aren't you bothered when someone asks you to be 'more pacific'? I am tempted to say 'Tonga'.

Jump on your computer and sign up for a word a day from www.dictionary.com. Create a folder for these words. Each day when you access your emails, look at the word and file it. Repeat it to yourself and attempt to use it during the day. I can remember seeing 'zeitgeist' in the newspaper the same day I got it from dictionary.com.

The best way to preserve your vocabulary is to increase it daily. Buy a dictionary and look up words that you meet during the day. Use your new words instead of sticking with your existing vocab.

Finally, look over your words from the past week to see how many you remember. Repeat them until they stick. Resist the urge to use 'thing – do dad – 'you know what I mean'- yada yada or um. Replace your ums with silence and replace your things with the appropriate word. Aren't you curious about: Panache, stoic, verbiage, kvetch, legerdemain, alfresco and hubris?

Paddy Spruce

www.paddyspruce.com.au