If you've been learning a foreign language for a while, then such a language learning technique as "shadowing" is a must do for you, especially if you're looking for a method which can help you make your pronunciation better. Let's take a closer look at this magic technique!
WHAT IS SHADOWING
Okay, let's put it short. Shadowing is when you listen to a native speaker talking (it may be a video, a podcast or a simple recording) and repeat the same words at the same time with the native. Sounds quite easy, right? Well, in reality it's not that simple...
Firstly, let's look at the word "shadow". What is it? It's something that always follows us wherever we go. That's exactly the same thing we do while shadowing in a foreign language - we follow the voice of a speaker we listen to.
The right way of shadowing takes its time to master. But be sure that in the end you'll be really happy with the result you get! Thanks to shadowing you improve not only your pronunciation but make your vocabulary wider as well.
HOW TO SHADOW
STEP 1
First thing you should think of is a text you're going to listen to. There are actually a lot of options. You can simply find a video on YouTube that seems interesting to you, check if there are subtitles and if a speaker is a native. If not a video, then you have another option that can be even simpler: open a textbook you're using to learn your target language and find a text or a dialogue that has an audio; or else check out some podcasts on the internet that have scripts and go for it!
STEP 2
The mistake number 1 is to start shadowing just after you chose a text. Don't hurry up! In the beginning you should read the text you have; look through all the words that may look confusing to you; listen to that text at least three times (the more the better) and then start repeating each sentence after the speaker, i.e. you have to make a pause after each sentence (sometimes half of a sentence) you hear and repeat what was said.
STEP 3
As soon as you feel comfortable with the whole text and the audio, you can start shadowing! Turn on your recording/audio and try to speak along with it as close as possible to simultaneously!
WHY SHADOWING IS IMPORTANT
Shadowing is as important as other language learning activities - speaking, writing, reading and listening.
Shadowing helps your pronunciation get on another level because you learn from natives an exact and perfect way of pronouncing different words, phrases and expressions.
What you should really pay attention to is the intonation with which a native speaker is talking in each situation. Pronouncing words correctly is important, but pronouncing them with an appropriate intonation is crucial!
That's exactly what shadowing language learning technique is about!
Share in the comments your thoughts about this activity! Do you use it? Does it help you improve your pronunciation skills?
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