D.P. T-Shot Reference Blog

Language learning is not easy and takes a very long time. But one technique that helped me most when learning languages is the technique known as shadowing or parallel repetition. 

This technique is so effective and fairly simple to apply: 

1) Download radio broadcasts, speeches, podcasts, audio and feature stories in the language you want to learn. They are very easy to find on the Internet and most of them are free. There are podcasts and radio shows that are specific to language learning. For example, if you are learning English, I can recommend the shows on BBC.

2) Once you have downloaded interesting programs that meet the things you really want to learn, save these audio files in your iPod or MP3 player or your computer. 

3) Now play these files and repeat the same time, out loud, what is said by the presenter of the show. Say it in a voice loud enough so that you can hear yourself. You can then correct your mistakes in pronunciation and compare your pronunciation to that of the presenter. 

The advantages of this technique of shadowing are endless: 

You will learn how to pronounce the words and you will see for yourself your mistakes with accents and pronunciation. 

You will learn to speak like native speakers adopting their rhythm of voice, their speech and their tone. 

You will learn new vocabulary in the context of a situation, which is of course the best way to learn vocabulary.

It is important to think consciously that you repeat the phrases!