Association is a technique of memorization that works great. It's simple, associate the new word with something you already know in your native language.
Here is an example of how to memorize the word for a cat in japanese.
cat = neko in japanese
think of neck in english, see a cat with a long neck in your mind (images and feelings work better than sounds)
You know what? I've learn this word 5 to 6 years ago and it's still there
because of the strong image I've associated with it. I've forgotten many though...