An analysis of L2 learners’ shadowing recordings and evaluations

Abstract Summary

Abstract :

Shadowing is the practice of closely imitating model aural utterances within a second’s delay. There are four techniques which may be utilized while shadowing, which focus on different aspects of the model utterance; i) mumbling (mimicking the sounds in the model to the best of one’s ability without seeing a text), ii) synchronized reading (reading a text while listening to the model), iii) prosody shadowing (reproducing the speech aloud while keeping the original intonation’s and rhythm), and iv) content shadowing (reproducing the speech aloud while thinking of the meaning). Though shadowing is a common activity for Japanese L2 learners, specialized texts focusing on their listening weaknesses have not yet been developed mainly as to collect such data requires specialized audio equipment, and to evaluate each individual students’ shadowed utterance places a heavy burden on instructors. In an effort to better understand common weaknesses in Japanese L2 learners’ listening and speaking abilities, our research group analyzed 500 learners’ shadowing data, identified characteristic errors and classified them. In this symposium we will introduce the texts and analysis of the learners’ recordings based upon them, as well as discussing the classifications of common errors that were identified during the investigation.

Pre-recorded video :