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As we talk about how to learn English through shadowing, it has been rightly said by Oscar Wilde, a famous Irish poet himself that “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” It suggests that mimicking someone successful can be a way to learn their methods. Well if you are feeling stuck in a rut with your English speaking or stumbling over words. Then we have got you as we will talk about the shadowing technique. The shadowing technique involves people mimicking what they hear and then repeating it. So, what are you waiting for, let’s boost your English speaking skills with this engaging method!
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What is the Shadowing Technique in Language Learning?
The shadowing technique is like mimicking a speaker’s voice. In this, you listen to a recording in your target language and then try to repeat exactly what you hear, at the same time or with a very short delay. It’s like casting a shadow as you follow the speaker’s words. Other than this, there are several benefits behind this shadowing technique which you will learn further in this blog.
The shadowing method is one of the most advanced techniques to learn English. However, this method can prove to be challenging at first but it isn’t frustrating. This particular technique is not something new, it was popularised in the 2000s. For all those inquisitive people, this technique was introduced by Professor Alexander Arguelles a language enthusiast who wanted people to immerse people in the language people through this technique.
Also Read: Top 10 YouTube Channels for Learning English You Can Follow
How to Learn English Through Shadowing?
Just like with learning any new concept, one must go through all the theories to achieve desirable results. So, let’s understand the steps in detail which will help your English pronunciation through the shadowing technique with these steps:
- Begin by finding an audio clip with a preferred accent
- Listen to the full clip
- Repeat and try to mimic the speaker
- Record yourself speaking and listen
- Practice this daily
Check out this video to get a detailed description of how you can learn the English language with the help of shadowing by the professor behind this technique.
Also Read: How to Speak Fluent English in 30 Days?
Why is the Shadowing Technique Used for Learning English?
Over the years, the shadowing technique has become a common practice for people looking to learn the English language. To answer your question, we have compiled several points through which you will understand the reasons behind learning the shadowing technique.
- Pronunciation: When you follow this technique, you mimic a native speaker, and you train your mouth muscles to form the sounds correctly. This repetition helps develop muscle memory for English pronunciation.
- Intonation: Native speakers don’t speak in monotone voices. Shadowing helps you pick up on the rise and fall in pitch, which conveys meaning and emotion.
- Accent Reduction: Over time, your pronunciation will naturally start to resemble the speaker you’re shadowing. This can help reduce your accent and make it easier to understand.
- Subconscious Learning: Over time, your pronunciation will naturally start to resemble the speaker you’re shadowing. This can help reduce your accent and make it easier to understand.
- Fluency: Finally, shadowing gets you used to the rhythm and flow of natural English speech. You learn to connect words and phrases smoothly, sounding more natural.
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How Does Shadowing Help in Language Learning?
Shadowing tackles language learning from a unique angle, focusing on mimicking spoken language. Here are some benefits of following the shadowing technique to master language learning.
Articulation Training
It is the ability to produce different sounds directly depending on articulation – how our tongue, lips, and facial muscles move. Good training includes precise tongue placement and movement for each sound, clear and controlled speech, and finally focus on specific sounds you struggle with.
Learning to Link
One of the most important rules one must note is that both the pronunciation and spelling of the words in the English language are different. When you put together words to form a sentence, chances are that they might sound different. The reason behind it is that it is linked. People often link words to easily pronounce them without unnecessary pauses or inconvenient sounds gathering. Shadowing is one of the best techniques for one to learn to train your mouth to link words in the English language.
Picking the Rhythm
Rhythm is one of the key components that enables one to master their pronunciation to another level! To be able to speak like a native English speaker, one must know when to stress and when to not which can only be done with the help of understanding the rhythm.
Accent Reduction
The main goal of the shadowing technique when learning English is to bring one’s speaking patterns closer to that of the typical native pronunciation of English sounds. However, this technique needs to be practised regularly which will benefit in reducing your native accent.
Acquiring a Native Accent
In this last step, the best outcome of the shadowing technique in English is fully acquiring a native accent of your choice – American, British, or Australian. You must pick one and then master it.
Also Read: 55+ ESL Conversation Topics for Adults
Is the Shadowing Technique Helpful in Language Learning?
Yes, the shadowing technique is generally considered helpful in language learning, particularly for improving speaking skills. Not only this but after following this, it feels like training with a personal pronunciation coach. To conclude, this technique gets you in the groove of natural English speech. You subconsciously absorb the rhythm, flow, and linking of words and phrases. This translates into smoother, more natural-sounding speaking.
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FAQs
With the help of the shadowing technique, one will not only learn the English language but will also improve their accent, pronunciation and overall fluency at the time of speaking.
The shadowing technique is said to enhance one’s rhythm and intonation. Through this, one sounds more natural and fluent when speaking English.
Surprisingly, the shadowing technique is used by actors to master their speaking language. To sum up, this is one of the best ways one can improve their speaking skills, especially if you are planning to take the IELTS exam.
This was all about how to learn English through shadowing as a beginner. Hope you understand the concept and where it’s used. You can also follow Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs.
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