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How Shadowing Improves English Pronunciation and Reduces a German Accent

Learning & Grammer

Is your German accent very strong when speaking the foreign language you're currently trying to improve, and do you finally want to change it and improve your pronunciation? Then the shadowing technique for improving your pronunciation is just what you need. You simply imitate the spoken words of native speakers and learn accent-free pronunciation in this way. Your language intuition and vocal apparatus are perfectly trained for the new demands of your foreign language.

It doesn't matter whether you're currently learning English, Spanish, French, or a completely different language; you can use shadowing when learning any foreign language. In our blog article on shadowing, we'll show you how to best improve your pronunciation and give you useful tips that will help you get even more out of the shadowing method.

What is Shadowing?

Shadowing involves listening to an audio file spoken exclusively in your target language. You can also use it to repeat lines from TV series and films. While listening to the audio file, you must simultaneously repeat what is being said. However, you don't need to understand everything that is said, as the focus is on the pronunciation of your target language. At an advanced language level, you can use the shadowing technique to improve your accent in the target language. As a bonus, it also improves your listening comprehension.

Shadowing is a technique for learning a foreign language. It's perfect for learning at all language levels, but it's especially effective if you already have some knowledge of the language you're learning. Shadowing helps you improve your listening comprehension, pronunciation, and vocabulary. You can easily use the shadowing technique as an indirect learning method by simultaneously watching your favorite series or film in the foreign language you're learning.

The Goal of the Shadowing Technique

The main goal of the shadowing technique is to develop a better feel for your target language. You will benefit from this in the long term, as you can effectively immerse yourself in the sounds of the foreign language while repeating. This will significantly improve your listening comprehension.

Your pronunciation will also be greatly enhanced through shadowing. By repeating, you practice the mouth and tongue movements typical of your target language. You learn the patterns of speaking your target language and will be able to apply them more effectively and unconsciously in later, independent language use.

How Do I Find the Right Audio File for Shadowing?

Podcasts are particularly good for learning with shadowing. Since you're not distracted by images or anything else while speaking, you can concentrate better on what you're saying and your pronunciation. Below, we've compiled some websites where you can find particularly good podcasts for shadowing:

1. TED Talks
2. YouTube
3. Spotify

Alternatively, you can take a look at our other blog posts. There we've selected the 10 best Spanish, English, and French podcasts for learning at all language levels.

The Process of the Shadowing Technique

Step 1

Find audio file

Audiobooks or podcasts are best suited for shadowing. You can also use videos and series.

Step 2

Listen to audio file

Listen to what's being said in your selected audio file before you start shadowing.

Step 3

Shadowing of what was said

Now we begin with shadowing. Imitate the way a native speaker speaks.

Step 4

Repeat and deepen

Repeat shadowing with the same audio file as many times as you like, or change the audio file.

Tips to Get the Most Out of the Shadowing Technique

We've discovered some tips and tricks that can help you get even more out of the shadowing technique. Take a look at them and make your learning sessions even more effective.

Use headphones: Headphones can help you improve your pronunciation even more effectively with shadowing. They will help minimize distracting background noise, allowing you to focus perfectly on the accent and the details of what you're saying. However, you should also practice shadowing without headphones from time to time, as it can be helpful to hear yourself speaking your target language.

Adjust the speech speed: Some apps, like YouTube, allow you to reduce the playback speed of the spoken word. You can use this setting to your advantage for shadowing, because if the spoken language in your target language is slower, you can follow along more easily. However, you shouldn't get used to the slow speed and should occasionally practice shadowing at normal speed as well.

Conclusion: Lose Your German Accent with Shadowing

Are you already at a relatively high level in your target language, but still a little hesitant about making mistakes when speaking? Then the shadowing technique for learning the pronunciation of a foreign language is exactly the right step for you to overcome this hesitancy. You can work on your pronunciation, your language usage, and even your listening comprehension on your own, without the fear of making mistakes in conversations with native speakers.

Furthermore, learning with the shadowing technique is anything but boring. You can use the shadowing technique while listening to an exciting audiobook, getting inspired by your favorite podcast, or watching a video or series. It's best to listen with headphones to perfectly perceive the details of the pronunciation. Besides the shadowing technique, you can also use it to effectively improve your pronunciation, grammar, and much more in small groups during a language course!

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