I became interested in the idea of learning the alphabet backwards after this discussion. I was thinking about using alphabet-animal pegs, and then the NATO alphabet (after SilvioB’s comment), but then thought of another idea to experiment with:
pair the letters
make images from the pairs (example: AZ → AZure → sky)
I don’t think that method is as fast as chanting it backwards repeatedly would be, but it’s an interesting feeling to mentally recite the alphabet forwards while translating the images and pulling up the other letters. Recall feels something like doing a stroop test.
By the 2nd recall pass, I realized that I was just repeating the pairs backwards and I only needed the first 13 images, but now I’m thinking of using the entire thing as a peg list for memorizing something else.
Since I am mathematically inclined, I would prefer to just use a formula: 27- (letter#)= opposite letter match #. So P, = 27-(16 P#)= 11 and we know #11 is K.
Hi all,
I got inspired to learn the alphabet backwards by seein/hearing an Anthony Metivier video.
I combined method of loci (somewhat) by using a simple memory cube and using PAO (Zorro Yanks Xbox); Western Virginia University (WVU)
NML can be Animal the muppet or the Animals sing House of the Rising Sun, or whatever.
EDC for me was Expert Devevelopment Corporation, a Canadian Crwon corporation.
So the memory cube concept is simple. Use a door a square on the wall a table your palm etc.
Or you can use fingers if you wish.
Each station has a PAO image, except the last (first) station, which is BA. Can be you or someone you love getting a BA degree, or some oter meaningful BA image.
Once you have the pattern you practice it till it comes naturally.
If you want to get mathematical you can devise a formula to blurt out the position of the letter.
Unlike cards, nothing changes, so once you practice it you can gobsmack friends by recting the alphabet backwards first, then forwards, then backwards, or start in the middle, etc.
You can use a silly song to sing with if you must like Row row row your boat.
Hello friends! I am still having fun reciting the alphabet backwards! In fact, I find reciting backwards, then reciting it forwards, then backwards and forwards again gives me chuckles.
@metivier
I recall Dr, M has a fun trick where he recites passages from memory while juggling or skipping rope.Pretty awesome mind and body workout for sure.
I learned the alphabet backwards by listening to the fabulous They Might Be Giants kids’ song “ZYX.” Before this I had a hard time committing it to memory and I always worried that if I were ever asked to do it during a traffic stop to prove my sobriety, I would fail!
Just thought I’d share this.
I did a Masterclass on Saturday about memorising music.
During the first half I got the audience to recite the alphabet forwards.
Then I picked one of the forty people in the audience and asked “Now do it backwards.”…
I was amazed the guy I chose made it all the way (pretty slowly) down to G without making an error…
I got the audience to give him a round of applause then did it myself (<five seconds) to show the power of practice.
After the class the guy who knew the alphabet backwards I’d chosen at random came up and said he’d practiced for over a year but hadn’t used a memory palace… While he was waiting for customers at his job.
Think I’ll switch to the Greek Alphabet for my next talk when demonstrating the speed increase when you use scheduled repetition…
Because if you don’t, someone will ask you why, especially if you pretend to be a mnemonic.
Some letters have been giving a bit of a challenge, like s and r. And then I spent time digging and realized these letters were all suffix, meaning at the end. And then you see they occupy 18th and 19th place, or the end of the teens. Once I noticed that, holy cow, my speed and confidence as I convert increased. Sorry, I can’t help with the k as I never had trouble with that one really, I don’t know why.
I just wrote a book on how to learn the alphabet backwards.
KLM backwards becomes MLK, so I used Martin Luther King as a starting point in making a fable about social and environmental justice.
It came about when I was helping elementary students with their reading skills which had taken a hit during the pandemic. I asked the kids if they knew how to count to ten. If they could count to ten backwards. If they could say their ABCs. Then I asked if they could say their ABCs backwards. They had never thought about it and were VERY interested.
I’d love to share more and get feedback on my book. It’s a 7-meg PDF. A 10-12 minute read. Let me know if you would crit the book and I send you a link.
