Fast Mapping

Fast mapping is a cognitive process by which individuals quickly learn the meaning of new words or concepts after just a brief exposure. This often occurs when a person hears a word used in context without prior knowledge of it and can infer its meaning based on surrounding information. For example, if you see an unfamiliar object and hear someone refer to it by name, your brain can connect that name to the object almost instantly. Fast mapping enables efficient learning and vocabulary expansion, especially in children, by utilizing context and prior knowledge to make quick associations.