SHADOWING | English speaking practice

Summary

In this video, Lola introduces the concept of shadowing as an effective method for improving English speaking skills. She walks viewers through a shadowing exercise, practicing English while exploring Paris. The video emphasizes the importance of listening and imitating native speakers without focusing on reading or understanding every word. Lola demonstrates how repetition and mimicking intonation can enhance fluency and pronunciation. She encourages viewers to practice shadowing regularly, offering tips for beginners and highlighting its role in mastering American English. The video wraps up with a reminder to subscribe for more helpful content.

Takeaways

• 😀 Shadowing is an effective method for improving English speaking skills by repeating after a native speaker.
• 😀 It’s important to focus on listening and speaking, rather than reading during shadowing practice.
• 😀 Even if you don't know every word, try to imitate the speaker's intonation and rhythm.
• 😀 Mistakes are a natural part of the process and should not discourage learners from continuing practice.
• 😀 The app provides a 'listen and speak' mode, ideal for shadowing, which helps avoid reading distractions.
• 😀 Breaking down the transcript into smaller phrases or sentences makes it easier to practice, especially for beginners.
• 😀 Pay attention to the natural flow of speech, including glides, slides, and intonation for accurate pronunciation.
• 😀 Shadowing helps 'fill your ear' with the correct sounds of American English, aiding in pronunciation improvement.
• 😀 The goal of shadowing isn't to speak perfectly but to replicate the sounds and rhythm of native speakers.
• 😀 Even advanced learners can benefit from shadowing to refine their accent and pronunciation.
• 😀 Don't rush your practice. Consistency and gradual improvement are key to mastering shadowing and English pronunciation.

Q & A

What is shadowing, and why is it important for learning English?

Shadowing is a language learning technique where learners listen to a native speaker and try to imitate their speech as closely as possible. It is important because it helps improve fluency, pronunciation, intonation, and listening skills by mimicking the native speaker's natural speech patterns.

How should you practice shadowing to ensure it's effective?

To practice shadowing effectively, focus on listening instead of reading the text. Switch the app to 'listen and speak' mode, repeat the sentences, and mimic the intonation and rhythm, even if you don't understand all the words. It's important to practice as if you were a child learning to speak.

What does the speaker recommend doing if you don’t understand certain words during shadowing?

If you don't understand some words while shadowing, it's okay. The focus is on repeating the sounds and mimicking the speaker without worrying about knowing every word. The goal is to practice the flow and rhythm of natural speech.

What should learners do if they need to practice longer phrases or sentences?

Learners should break down the phrases or sentences into smaller sections or chunks, depending on their proficiency level. This helps in managing the difficulty of longer statements and ensures better retention of pronunciation and intonation.

How can learners improve their American English pronunciation through shadowing?

By practicing shadowing regularly, learners can improve their American English pronunciation by focusing on glides, slides, and other subtle features of native speech. This helps them 'fill their ear' with the correct sounds and pronunciation.

Why does the speaker suggest that shadowing is especially useful for English learners?

Shadowing is especially useful for English learners because it provides an immersive experience, allowing them to practice pronunciation and intonation in a natural, context-rich environment. It helps learners develop the muscle memory for speaking like a native.

What is the significance of 'filling your ear' with the correct sounds in shadowing?

'Filling your ear' means getting used to the sounds of American English by listening and repeating after native speakers. This process helps learners internalize the correct pronunciation patterns, improving both listening and speaking skills over time.

What is the main idea behind the statement 'it's not about saying every word perfectly' in the context of shadowing?

The main idea is that shadowing isn't about achieving perfection in each word but about playfully repeating what you hear and capturing the essence of natural speech. The focus is on improving fluency and rhythm rather than perfect word-for-word accuracy.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the use of the 'read and speak' mode in the app?

The speaker advises switching to 'listen and speak' mode for shadowing practice, as it helps learners focus on imitation rather than reading. However, if needed, learners can switch back to 'read and speak' mode to see the text, but this is not recommended for effective shadowing.

How does the speaker suggest handling mistakes during shadowing practice?

The speaker encourages learners to embrace mistakes during shadowing practice. Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. The key is to keep repeating and learning from the errors, gradually improving pronunciation and fluency over time.