Finding proper shadowing passages has been my way of challenging myself in achieving a higher level of fluency in Japanese. Though it is stressful at times, I feel that choosing passages filled with lots of new vocabulary is rewarding in the sense that it helps me fit together different pieces of the language like a puzzle. When I learned vocabulary in the textbook chapters that I had previously used while shadowing, the context in which it was used was distinctly memorable, and I could feel a link forming. Because I am in the beginning stages of learning Japanese, most of the words in shadowing passages are completely unfamiliar, as when I am learning new vocabulary during class. Making links between the two, however, extinguishes the unfamiliarity so that I feel like I'm learning in a more wholesome manner.
My thoughts on shadowing as a pronunciation exercise are similar. Last time, I had said that I wanted to improve my speaking by paying more attention to meaning and context, and this has not changed. In light of what I had just said about learning new vocabulary, however, I'm adding a new dimension to my goals by being able to feel that Japanese words are familiar to speak. A certain amount of muscle memory is required to speak fluently, and having practice saying words that I do not know is extremely helpful for when I do start to use them in class and actually understand their meanings.
こんばんは、
ReplyDeleteゴールはとてもいいですね!そして、日本語はたいへんですね。でも、おもしろいですね。
Keep up the good work, and I'm sure you'll get very comfortable with the unfamiliar words! One suggestion I have is to try to find shadowing material that is not incredibly difficult, because you might not be able to perfect it as much and get the most out of it (I know this from experience).
がんばってください!
ダグ
イェンさん、
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean when you say that shadowing helps you make connections with the vocabulary. My favorite thing about Japanese is that I'm finally learning in class the words I used to hear all the time in Japanese anime and music, and it's a good feeling to learn them formally and "form a link" as you said. がんばって!Keep it up!
ケニー