Do you want to learn the most effective way to read, write and pronounce Devanagari characters. Are you tired of ineffective techniques like rote memorizing and want to learn in a fun and exciting techniques that leverages and improves the following human qualities: association, observation, imagination, creativity and thinking while having lots of fun?

If yes, then I have good news you 🙂

In this tutorial i will show you the most effective way to learn and master Devanagari consonants. So lets get started

The Nomad Method is a mnemonic system for learning Devanagari writing system. It is the most critical subset of our larger curriculum. This is part one of a series explaining the method. Click below to navigate the various parts:

The Nomad Method is unique compared to any other system for memorizing Nepali characters. It is the only system that leverages the proven techniques used by memory athletes. These techniques allow you to remember every aspect of a Nepali character at the same time.

Here’s what you need to know about a character to honestly say you “know” it:

The meaning (of course).

• The character components, and their exact position within the character.
• The pronunciation, which includes:
• The consonant
• The vowel

The Nomad Method

The Nomad Method is the product of 3 key sources. We have adapted them to become a part of our own unique system of Mandarin acquisition:

• The original system (known as “The Hanzi Movie Method”) is a system for remembering Chinese characters. Its part of the Mandarin Blueprint course. I honestly think it is one of the best investment I have made in my personal growth.
• Street Smart Languages created by Xiaoma which mainly focus on real life conversations.
• Mnemonic & Visualization techniques currently being used and perfected by the world’s greatest memory athletes. Sources are numerous, but a special shout out to Dominic O’Brien and his fascinating books on memory techniques.

In this first article, we’re going to introduce you to the fundamentals of visual mnemonics. Starting with the concepts of Nepali character mnemonics and memory palaces, and give you a basic outline of the Nomad Method. Let’s get to it!

The Method of Loci & Nepalese Mnemonics

The ancient Greeks pioneered the "Method of Loci," a memory technique that relied on constructing memory palaces, also known as "mind palaces." These were imaginary mental locations where mnemonic images could be stored to aid in memorization. In times when paper and smartphones were not available, these mnemonic techniques played a crucial role in accurately recording and retaining information. However, with the advent of modern technology, these methods have gradually become less common and less utilized.

WTF is “The Method of Loci”?

In the "Method of Loci," you use specific locations within your memory palace to store imaginary representations of the information you want to remember. By following a planned route through the palace, interacting with these mental images at each location, you can recall the desired information. This technique aids in remembering shopping lists, speeches, and more.

To make the associations more memorable, the imaginary objects or people placed at each location are often depicted as unusual or outrageous. For instance, you could visualize a massive bottle of washing-up liquid on your sofa, gleefully squirting bright blue detergent all over your living room, ensuring you remember to buy it.

It works!!

I have personally tried and I managed to memorize Nepali characters in less than 1 week. But I think you can do it even faster :)

The Method of Loci with Nepalese Characteristics

In the Nomad Method we apply the same principles as these athletes, just with different associations:

• The locations will be your “Destinations”, which represent the consonant type (velar, palatal, dental etc)
• The people will be your “Nomads”, whose name represent the pronunciation
• The objects will be your “Symbols”, which represent the character components. (same as Props in Hanzi Movie Method)
• Finally, actions (i.e., how these elements all interact) will be your “stories” or “memories”, which represent the meaning of the character.

As an added bonus, we will also gradually introduce many different “special effects”, which are little tricks passed down by the experts that make your “stories” extra memorable.

Nepalese Mnemonics: A Truly Worthwhile Endeavour

Using The Nomad Method for the first time is like becoming fluent in a new mini-language. At first, it takes a bit of time to get familiar with the elements of the method (Destinations, Nomads, Symbols, Stories & Special Effects) to form the meaning of a given character.

Consequently, you may find yourself thinking: “Hey, I just want to learn Nepalese characters and I’m spending time learning all this extra stuff.” Perhaps you start to think it might be quicker to learn the old-fashioned way. Please don’t let yourself believe that.

It takes between 10 and 50 characters before you hit your stride with this technique for Nepalese mnemonics. After this, you’ll be unstoppable. If you ever feel doubt creeping in, remember these points:

You will learn Nomad Method to learn:

• reading
• writing
• pronunciation

…at the same time

Why the Nomad Method

1. It’s Comprehensive

The Nomad Method allows you to learn ALL aspects of a character (reading, writing, and pronunciation) at the same time. There are other methods out there that will teach you one or maybe even two of these aspects, but you’ll have to spend more time learning the other parts separately.

2. It’s Fast

Once you get good at The Nomad Method, you’ll be able to memorize 30-60 characters an hour easily. All it takes is consistency and practice.

3. Nepali Mnemonics Are Easy & Fun

The character order is designed to be intuitive. You will learn the more straightforward and frequent characters first and gradually build up to more complex ones. It’s critical for your self-confidence to win games. You start winning small day-to-day games and move on to win the meta-game of mastering the technique.

4. It Builds a Solid Foundation

Once you’ve finished our character list, you’ll know over 250 common components (which we call “Symbols”). They amount to the vast majority used in all Nepalese characters. This means that you’ll have the building blocks necessary to memorize many more common characters which also share these components.

4. It Doesn’t Only Teach You Nepali

Using this technique will have a sweet side effect. You’ll unlock powers of association and creativity that you can apply to Nepali vocabulary acquisition. Furthermore, it will help you with anything else you need to remember in your life. The learning process itself will exercise your brain, improve your levels of concentration and sharpen your memory. We can attest to the incredible effects using this method has had on our creative thinking abilities.