Recognition vs Recall (L2)

Recognition and recall refer to how well you are able to retrieve information from memory. Recognition refers to the ability to identify information that has been previously encountered, while recall involves the ability to produce this information from memory.

In the context of language learning, recognition would involve being able to recognize and understand a word or phrase when it is encountered, while recall would require being able to produce the same word or phrase from memory without any cues or prompts.

For example, recognizing the word "overjoyed" in a sentence as meaning "happy" is recognition, while recalling that same word when prompted with a definition for "feeling pleased or content" is recall.

Recall will naturally trails behind recognition, but will improve the more times you come across the word while listening and reading, as well as actively using it in speaking and writing.

Recognition - identifying previously encountered information Recall - producing information from memory Retrieve - recover or regain possession Information - facts or knowledge provided Memory - faculty of retaining and recalling past experiences Identify - recognize or establish as being a particular person or thing Previously - at an earlier time or formerly Encounter - come upon or meet with Produce - bring forth or yield Context - circumstances that form the setting for an event Language - method of human communication Phrase - group of words expressing a concept Cues - signals for action Prompts - reminders or signals to act Naturally - as a result of nature