The Major System
The Major System or the famously known as the Phonetic Mnemonic System is one of the most successful systems available today. It’s complexity depends on the person trying to master it. But do not be fooled because it would definitely take time to be mastered. Once it has been mastered, it would be a very potent tool. When this technique is mastered, it is usually utilized as a basis for some memory feats that seem to be magical in nature. Memory performers and stage magicians utilize this system to wow their crowds.
How The System Emerged
Stanislaus Mink Von Wennsshein formulated the Major System. 300 years have passed since it was invented. Many people developed the system and also made different variations of it. Then, Dr. Richard Grey created a complicated system which utilized vowels and consonants in representing the digits. Gregor von Feinagle by 1808, presented the improved version of the system by representing digits with consonant sounds. He also flipped the values of numbers 8 and 9.
How The System Works
The Major System basically works thru converting the number sequences as nouns and even linking images to these sequences. There is complexity and strict detailing involved with these sequences.
The system’s tool works with the number associations with consonant sounds:
0 – s, z, soft-c – try to remember as ‘z is first letter of zero’
1 – d, t, th – try to remember as letters with 1 downstroke
2 – n – try to remember as having 2 downstrokes
3 – m – it has three downstrokes
4 – r – try to imagine a 4 and an R glued together back-to-back
5 – L – try to imagine the 5 propped up against a book end (L)
6 – j, sh, soft-ch, dg, soft-g – remember g is 6 rotated 180 degrees.
7 – k, hard-ch, hard-c, hard-g, ng – try to imagine K as two 7s
rotated and glued together
8 – f, v – try to imagine the bottom loop of the 8 as an eFfluent
pipe discharging waste (letter image of F in
alphabet system)
9 – p, b – see b as 9 rotated 180 degrees.
There is a need to thoroughly learn the associations before proceeding with the technique.
Initial Step in Using the Major System
The Major System works on different numbers of levels. It depends on the time that you can allot in order to devote your learning of the system. You need to start with the first level before you move on because it is a ladder-type of learning. The Major System’s first level consists of coding single digit numbers and turning it into small words. This is still a poor stage but as you go higher with the levels, you can eventually discover the Major System’s power.
Always remember that the key in the conversion of numbers to words is to simply utilize the consonants that code the information within the specific word as you use the vowels to pad specific consonants out with its meaning. If you need to use other consonants to formulate a word, utilize only those that do not code the numbers such as – e, h, i, q, y, w and x.
Towards the Second Level
This level applies the same rules when you want to create a standard word with regards to 2 numbers. It’s advisable to avoid using 1 number word as a root because this can cause confusion with the image. Write numbers 1-99 then apply the specific rules in order to form memory words of your own.
Pushing Forward with the Major System
Simply utilizing double number words would seem insufficient to create an effective mnemonic for you. You can choose an alternative and utilize triple number words. You can use similar construction rules as with the double number words.
Even if you are able to form words from the 1st principles every time, when you are at this more complex level, it is best that you write them down in order to make it easier for you to remember. After you have done this, you can eventually run through them a number of times in order to fortify your remembrance of the link between the associated words and the numbers. By doing this, you will have a faster approach of remembering the proper word.
Story Telling Technique
When you have mastered the associations of the numbers with the letters, by this point, you can easily create, organize and link multiple words using the system. You can use a story telling technique in order to decode huge numbers. The Major system is awesome because you can combine it easily with different memory techniques whether it be simple or advanced. This assists in making the Major System capable of handling huge numbers. Back to the story telling technique, you can memorize large numbers by using this through linking different scenes together which form a sequence of events.
Practical Use
The Major System can become so helpful because even random number can be easy to remember. Thus, it is very useful in memorizing addresses, phone numbers, important dates, etc. By utilizing this approach, there is a possibility that some people can create epic stories which can catalog hundreds of phone numbers, thousands of digits of pi or just about anything needed for an output using the Major system.
Anyone can use the Major System as long as it is properly studied. With enough time alloted for learning it, you can be able to handle large amount of numbers if you progress through the levels. Taking it step by step is key to fully understand the concept of the system. Always remember that you have the freedom to come up with coded words. Choose the ones that can easily help you memorize. You do not have to rush anything in order to master this system. It takes lots of practice to achieve mastery. Once you have mastered the system, you will have the power to easily link numbers with words and images. This can serve as a huge advantage for you.
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