Controversial as it may be, here we go: Is shadowing indeed effective?
Students have been crazy about the so-called shadowing technique. I myself particularly feel quite skeptical about it and keep asking myself: What's gonna happen if students believe by repeating sentences is the way to master a new language? Where will coherence, cohesion and complex sentence structures stand at?
3 answers from our tutors
Pardon my typos. *partially agree with you... * and is key....
Amazing point you've raised James. Thanks for enriching this conversation. I partially agree when with you. Here's why: 1) I believe shadowing functions well as a complementary technique and key to achieving spontaneity. However, it should not be considered the one and only alternative at center of one's teaching or learning methodology. 2) Depending upon the career one chooses in life, one may need to have very good command of language - master complex sentences structures, vast vocabulary, proper use of verb tenses... Wouldn't it be easier for this person if they had started looking into language from other perspectives as well? Not only shadowing. On the other hand, we are 100% on the same page when it comes to the traditional grammar-translate strategy. I myself have never believed it worked and to be honest never used with my students. Great chat! Let's keep it going. I've got an article on "Improper" English coming out next week on the blog. Would love to have your inputs.
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Although many may see "shadowing" is controversial, it is actually the exact way that everyone, yes everyone learns how to speak their own language. Ask yourself these a couple of questions: 1) When you started learning your native language, did your parents give you grammar lessons or did you listen to what they were saying to you? 2) When you uttered your first words did you copy what your parents and family said to you (pronunciation and word order)? 3) Why is it that deaf people are unable to speak, but use sign language to communicate? 4) Why has the traditional "grammar-translate" method been discredited in study after study? As a parent, I have witnessed learning a language is best done through listening and shadowing. It is how my kids learnt their native language. Like what you have just read? Why not book a lesson to try "Learning English with Your Ears".
