What is Elocution

What is Elocution Elocution and Voice Training: What's it all about? ChaptersFirstly, a Definition: What is Elocution?A Bit of History of ElocutionWhat Can Elocution Classes Help You with?Finding an Elocution TutorThese days, elocution is perhaps one of the most misunderstood subjects ever. We still generally understand it to be the rather quaint training that accompanies usually posh kids who are coming of age â€" all reading aloud and smoothing out their voice into a properly British English.However, this is not really what elocution actually is any more. Sure, that makes up a part of it, absolutely. But, in general, the art and training of elocution has moved out of the drawing room and into the business office, meeting room, or private drama studio.It is less about preserving, or aping, the privilege of the upper classes and more about the ability to speak clearly, communicate effectively, and discuss ideas convincingly and persuasively. There is no shame in your Cockney accent, or in your pronunciation developed in a foreign language. However, if you want to ensure that you avoid misunderstanding, elocution lessons might be a good idea. Here, we’re going to give you the full idea of what elocution is, so that we can avoid misunderstanding ourselves. From a brief history of elocution to a breakdown of all the different elements that make up this discipline, we’ll cover all you need to know. And, finally, we’ll point you in the direction of some of the best places to find elocution lessons. We hope you find it helpful! You can check out our article on everything you need to know about learning elocution too, if you want! With elocution classes, you'll exude confidence. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £3 0/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsFirstly, a Definition: What is Elocution?So, how do we actually define elocution? We know that it has something to do with speaking skills, but what are we are actually doing when we are learning elocution?Well, it is worth pointing out that there are usually two general definitions of the term ‘elocution’.In the first, usually, elocution is defined as the study of formal speaking, usually in a public context. Here, elocution is what you will be doing if you are studying the correct ways of spoken English: practising phonetics, communication skills, and vocal exercises. This, really, is what we are discussing in the rest of article.Then, there is the other definition of elocution, which is essentially the product of these sessions: your particular manner or style of speaking English.A Bit of History of ElocutionElocution is not a subject that was born out nowhere. Rather, this discipline has been a part of the study of rhetoric since the classical age â€" when, arguably, that very discipline began.Ancient Elocution.The thing that elocution referred to back then was, generally speaking, style. So, when discoursing in some oratorical context, you would be expected to pay attention to the fact that your language is decorous, that it is well-structured, and that it develops in an elegant progression. While, these days, we are mainly concerned with making our language of a particularly charming style, back in the day this was not required: any style, when appropriate, could be performed eloquently.Elocution in the Eighteenth Centur y.However, among the elements of rhetoric that we continued to study throughout the centuries, elocution did not appear among the priorities. Rather, elocution dropped off the map a little, even when other elements of rhetoric were continually studied.The first signs of elocution emerging as a proper discipline occurred in the eighteenth century, when figures like Thomas Sheridan gave his Lectures on Elocution and the actor published his Elements of Elocution. In both cases, clear, appropriate, and ornamental speech was combined with effective gesture, posture, and intonation.It’s this sort of period that gives elocution the reputation with which it has been stuck ever since: stuffy and old-fashioned, with an overemphasis on received pronunciation or on a standardised British accent. Dramatists need voice training these daysContemporary Elocution.Today, however, an elocution training course would not be like this. It is, rather, significantly more democratic than this.Elocution today is more aimed at businesspeople, non-native speakers of English, or people intending to go to drama school. Whilst it still helps to teach a standardised version of English, this is not for purposes of prestige or class. Rather, it is for reasons of opportunity, rather than of identity.And this leads us to our next question…What Can Elocution Classes Help You with?Maybe your image of elocution is young women in starched dresses being taught how to pronounce the words of poetry in an effective manner. And whilst, yes, this is a pretty accurate description of what elocution was like once upon a time, these days vocal training classes are a bit more oriented towards the more practical side of life. So, let’s take a quick look at what you’ll actually be learning in the world of elo cution. From effective communication in general to accent modification, there’s plenty to be getting up to!Diction and Enunciation.The most basic form of elocution training regards the actual choice of English words you make and the way of correctly pronouncing them. As part of elocution, you will be considering your word choice in conversational and professional settings and on your articulation.So, no more mumbling. If you are taking it seriously, you will be looking at the vowel sounds and consonant sounds, and on which syllables the word stress is put. All of this is standard fare in private tuition for elocution.Accent Reduction and Received Pronunciation.Something that many non-native English speakers look for in elocution training is help with accent reduction â€" enabling them to speak English with an English accent. Obviously, this is not really reducing the accent but rather just changing it.The same is possible for native English speakers too. Elocution tutors can help you to adopt an RP â€" or received pronunciation â€" accent. This is something particularly helpful for actors.Dialect and Accent Training.Another thing that is generally limited in its appeal to the world of actors â€" and secret agents, we suppose â€" is dialect and accent training.Here, you will be taught how to convincingly adopt a different accent to that with which you were born. Pronunciation for Speakers of English as a Second Language.Whilst it is not accent reduction in its more extreme sense, standard pronunciation is something that is a big part of elocution training. This is something generally enjoyed by non-native learners of English.There are places in the UK that specifically focus on this aspect of language learning, such as the Pronunciation Studio.The Art of Public Speaking.Something that is becoming increasingly popular in the world of elocution training is corporate speaking skills â€" and the next three items in this list focus on those specifically.Each of th ese require something different. However, through each there is a common theme: speaking confidently, clearly, and persuasively. Elocution lessons for this precise purpose is something that is in high demand. Speaking doesn't need to be difficult!Presentation Skills.Some of the most crucial speaking skills for the business world are those associated with presentations. This means delivering information concisely and clearly, in a way that is engaging, compelling and comprehensible.Many elocution tutors work with businesspeople to hone their skills in this field. If it is something that you are considering, remember that it really can put you a cut above the rest.Speech Training.And whilst it almost seems like the same thing, speech training is probably both broader and more specific than that for presentations. Speeches can be used in all walks of life â€" from weddings to business meetings and more. If you are a little nervous in your public speaking and want to prepare for the occasion, elocution experts can help you with this too.Finding an Elocution TutorElocution teachers and classes are probably more common than you realised. Across all of the major cities in the UK, you will have n o trouble finding someone who can help you improve your speaking skills.Whilst, these days, you can look for elocution classes online, the best place to find an elocution tutor is still probably face-to-face. They will help you with your posture, tongue and lip placement, and pronunciation â€" and this is much easier when they are in the same room as you.Look on private tutoring websites, such as Superprof, or in classified pages, the old-fashioned way. You’ll find heaps of different options available to you â€" no matter what it is you want to be improving in your speaking.Speaking well will, quite simply, give your confidence a massive boost. And if it is only for that, it is something well worth the time and effort.

What is Overtone Singing Introduction Vocal Exercise

What is Overtone Singing Introduction Vocal Exercise Suzy S. Ever heard of overtone singing? Learn more about the intriguing technique in this guest post by Ann Arbor, MI voice teacher  Elaina R How many pitches can a singer sing at once? If you said one, that’s generally correct; most singers can only produce one audible pitch at a time. However, some can sing two pitches at a time, creating an eerie, ear-catching sound. Here’s a good example: How is that possible? What is overtone singing, and can anyone learn to do it? The answer has a little to do with science, a little to do with anatomy, and a lot to do with practicing. What are Overtones? Typically, singers (and other instruments) focus on the fundamental pitch. The fundamental pitch is the main pitch you hear when you sing a note. If someone is singing off tune, that means they are singing the wrong fundamental pitch. Overtones are the higher partials of a fundamental note. Nearly all musical pitches have overtones, whether you hear them or not. Overtones occur because of the way sound waves work and are based on the harmonic series â€" a sequence dividing the fundamental pitch into smaller and smaller pieces. This sequence was used to develop the Western musical scale. What is Overtone Singing? In overtone singing, the singer focuses on the overtones rather than the fundamental pitch. Some singers can jump from partial to partial, creating scales and melodies with overtones. Since the overtones are always there, overtone singers aren’t working to produce them; they just make them louder and learn to move around the overtone scale. Many cultures, particularly in Asia, have been using overtone singing for generations. Probably the most famous example of this is throat singing, in which the fundamental pitch is extremely low. However, overtone singing doesn’t have to involve an uncomfortably low fundamental pitch. All you need is a consistent fundamental pitch and a little patience. How Can I Learn Overtone Singing? To bring out the overtones in your sound, practice changing your resonator (mouth shape) by manipulating the lips and tongue. Find an area with some background noise, such as a bathroom with the fan on. Background noise helps mask the fundamental pitch so you can hear the overtones better. Place the tip of the tongue directly behind the front top teeth so that your tongue forms an upward curve inside your mouth. Sing a comfortable low pitch in chest voice (speaking range) on an “ee” vowel. While singing the pitch, slowly shift from an “ee” vowel to an “ooh” vowel and back. Experiment with this until you start to hear overtones. Once you do, you can continue to slightly change the shape and positioning of your tongue and lips to bring out the overtones. Fundamentals First What is overtone singing? It is a result of the natural overtone scale inherent to pitch. As with any kind of singing, overtone singing can hurt your voice if you don’t do it correctly. To get really good at overtone singing, it’s important to understand how singing works in the first place. If you ever experience discomfort or get hoarse trying to bring out overtones, stop what you are doing! To learn how to sing well â€" and maybe learn to incorporate overtones â€" the smartest thing to do is consult a professional. Search for teachers in your area here! Elaina R. teaches singing in  Ann Arbor, MI. She earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Southern California, and she is currently working on her Master of Music from the University of Michigan. Learn more about Elaina here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by  Susanne Nilsson

5 Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

5 Tips for Learning a Foreign Language The following piece was written by Tiffany Sorensen. Tiffany is a professional Spanish and SAT tutor for Varsity Tutors. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish Language Literature from Stony Brook University. Contrary to popular opinion, there is no simple solution to quickly learning a foreign language. As with other academic subjects, the degree to which you understand and improve is proportionate to the amount of time and effort you expend. When it comes to learning another language, attitude plays a key role in how easily your brain absorbs information. Consider the below suggestions as approaches, not shortcuts. Keep these five points in mind as you begin or continue on your foreign language journey. 1.If you believe mastering another language will prove to be an effortless undertaking, youre in for a large shock. Beware of advertisements with taglines such as, Learn Italian in 48 hours! You can be certain that these claims are false. Unfortunately, theres just no way around the truth truly understanding a foreign language is a long, tedious process that may take several years. But dont be discouraged. The ability to converse in more than one language brings with it an incredible sense of accomplishment. In other words, its worth the struggle! 2.One of the most common errors that foreign language learners make is remaining silent so as to avoid mistakes. The sooner you realize that youre going to make errors and lots of them the better off youll be. Its okay to be incorrect. If you ask any foreign language teacher, he/she will tell you that it is exponentially better to say something incorrectly than to say nothing at all. Imagine how painful French class would be if no one dared to participate. The fact of the matter is that we learn best when making mistakes. Corrections may be uncomfortable, but youll likely never commit that same error again. Whats worse is to continue believing you know the right way to phrase something when you really dont. 3.Study after study has proven that the ideal way to learn another language is via total immersion that is, spending extensive periods of time in a country where the language is spoken. You can achieve this in a variety of ways: taking classes overseas through your college, working or volunteering abroad, or merely traveling for pleasure. While formal foreign language classes are useful for literacy purposes, only real-life interactions will prompt you to put what youve learned into practice. Until you converse with native speakers of another language, everything youve studied is purely theoretical. Also, reaching an advanced level of oral fluency in another language can only be achieved by consistently using it. Think of foreign language as a muscle; the more it is exercised, the stronger it becomes. 4.Dont limit yourself to just one variety of a foreign language. For instance, if you choose to learn Spanish, you should possess, at minimum, a general understanding of several dialects of Spanish. Language varies greatly from one geographical region to another. For example, consider how British and American English have wildly different sounds and expressions. The Spanish of Spain is drastically different from that of Mexico, and the same can be said of Chilean Spanish when compared to the Spanish of the Caribbean. These differences include variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, sentence structure, and slang. To focus entirely on any one dialect is impractical, as it limits the number of people with whom you can effectively communicate. 5.The English language has a reputation for readily assimilating foreign words into its vocabulary. This is beneficial to English speakers when learning other languages, especially the Romance languages, because there are many words that look alike and have similar meanings. Cognates, such as intelligent in English and inteligente in Spanish, are words derived from the same roots. Occasionally, it is obvious when two words are related, while at other times, it requires deeper analysis. At first sight, it may seem that the Spanish word for hand mano has no connection whatsoever with the English word, hand. However, consider the adjective manual, as in manual labor (labor performed with the hands). Noticing links between words will greatly help you to remember vocabulary. Nonetheless, there are several false cognates. These are words that look alike but actually signify entirely different things. For example, decepcin in Spanish actually means disappointment. So be certain to proceed with caution! Happy language learning!

Eight Essential Strategies for Succeeding on Standardized Tests

Eight Essential Strategies for Succeeding on Standardized Tests Careful preparation and utilizing smart standardized test taking strategies are the first steps to ensuring a high score and success on a standardized test. It is unwise to sit for a standardized test without thorough and thoughtful preparation. This preparation should start early and continue to the testing day to ensure the highest score possible. Some of the most effective standardized test taking strategies include: Giving yourself plenty of time to prepare Cramming for the standardized test is both foolish and ineffective. Your brain needs time to reinforce existing concepts and to connect to new learning. Expecting a few short weeks (or days) of test preparation will be enough is a common mistake made by students. Many students spend months preparing for the test and are incredibly well prepared on assessment day. Planning your preparation Careful preparation should include an established plan to ensure all subject areas are covered. You should also allow time to practice each test section because the types of questions and response formats will vary. Establish a schedule that provides plenty of time to review and practice every section and each subject area. Practicing under testing conditions Simply answering practice questions isnt enough. You should spend some time simulating actual testing conditions. Set aside time in a quiet setting to practice under conditions similar to what youll encounter on the actual testing day. You should also familiarize yourself with the directions and structure of the test during these simulation sessions. Eliminating the unforeseen Dont risk your success on the standardized test by not preparing for the unforeseen. Get plenty of rest before the testing session, have directions to the testing center ready, gather your materials ahead of time, and dont forget to eat so you avoid being hungry. Success on a standardized test will be difficult to achieve if youre rushed, frantic, hungry, or anxious. Previewing the test Before you dive in and begin answering questions you should spend a few moments previewing the test. Glance through the booklet and determine the total number of questions, the type of questions asked, and any potential pitfalls you can identify. Make notes, as allowed, on sections that seem the most difficult or in areas of the test you are concerned about. Using materials wisely You should make good use of the test booklet and scratch paper as allowed under the testing guidelines. Use the test booklet like a workbook as permitted under the directions by circling key phrases, underlining important concepts, drawing a line through incorrect answers, and working the math problems near the test item. Be careful though! Review the testing directions to ensure this allowed. Pacing yourself Since standardized tests are most often designed around a time limitation it is important to pace yourself. You want to complete the exam and ensure you have answered all the questions you definitely know the answer to. If a problem or question seems too hard you should skip it and come back. Youre better off completing all the questions you know for sure instead of dedicating too much time to an unknown question. Using process of elimination Many standardized tests rely on multiple choice questions as the main evaluation tool. You can employ a process of elimination strategy when answering multiple choice questions. If you are unsure of an answer take a moment to eliminate the options you know are incorrect. Cross them out and then refocus on the remaining answers. Youre more likely to choose a correct answer if youve eliminated ones you know are incorrect. This also cuts down on careless mistakes that can negatively affect your score. What are some additional standardized test taking strategies that youve found especially beneficial?

Learn More About The ACT Registration Process Today

Learn More About The ACT Registration Process Today Understanding the ACT Registration Process The new school year is upon us and it is nearly time to confirm the details of your ACT registration. If you are planning to take the ACT exam this year it is never too early to prepare for the registration process. Understanding as much as you can about the exam is important to ensure the registration process goes smoothly and you can focus on your academic preparation. ACT Examination Information: The ACTis administered on six national test dates. The test dates for the 2013 - 2014 school year can be found here and on the Huntington Helps website: September 21, 2013 October 26, 2013 December 14, 2013 February 8, 2014 April 12, 2014 June 14, 2014 Plan ahead when registering for the ACT. Theregistration deadline is typically four weeks before the exam date. Youcan register after the deadline but will be assessed a late fee. There are fees associated with the ACT exam. A fee of$36.50 includes the ACT exam (no writing) plus reports for you, your high school, and up to four colleges. The ACT Plus Writing requires a fee of $52.50which includes a report for you, your high school, and up to fourcolleges. There are additional fees assessed for additional collegereports, standby testing, telephone re-registration, testing changes, and international testing. Registering online: Online registration is recommended unless you haveextenuating circumstances that require registration by mail. The ACTregistration process is secure and you can be confident that your personalinformation is kept private. You will first need to create an ACT Web account. Thisis where you will register, verify testing center details, receive scorereports, and determine the colleges that will receive your reports. The ACT Web account initiation will require you tocreate a log-in and password for future use. Make sure you take note ofboth of these so you will always have access to the site. You will know instantly whether your preferred testingcenter has available space for you. You will also be able to print youradmission ticket directly from your ACT Web account. TheACT now requires a clear photo with a new registration. You must upload a clear photo of yourself against a light background before yourregistration is complete. This photo is used as a means of verifying identification on the testing day and on the score report that your high school will receive. The ACT website contains full quality and technical requirements for your uploaded picture. Registering by mail: You are required to register by mail if you are youngerthan 13 years old or are unable to pay by credit card. A registration-by-mail packet is available from yourhigh school or by requesting a packet on the ACT website. Once your registration materials are received you willthen be notified by mail of your testing date and which testing centeryou've been assigned to. Special circumstances: There are a variety of special circumstances that mayrequire you to pursue arranged testing options. Details of the arrangedtesting requirements can be found online at the ACT website. Special circumstances include: Being homebound or confined. Living more than 75 miles from a testing site. Needing international testing. Requiring a Sabbath/Sunday testing center. You may be eligible for extended time if you have adefined learning disability and extended time is part of yourIndividualized Education Plan (IEP). You must submit an Application forACT Extended Time National Testing signed by you and a schoolofficial. Regardless if you register online or by mail this applicationmust be submitted by mail. ACT testing centers are able to provide a variety ofaccommodations to students with defined disabilities. These accommodationsinclude a wheelchair accessible testing room, a large type booklet, snacksin the test room for diabetics, and the use of a sign languageinterpreter. Registration details can be found online with guidelines forrequesting special accommodations.

Polly Want Fluency! Learn Like a Parrot with Language Shadowing

Polly Want Fluency! Learn Like a Parrot with Language Shadowing Polly Want Fluency! Learn Like a Parrot with Language Shadowing Ever had a parrot?Even if you havent, you know what theyre famous for: repeating what you say, for better or worse.Depending on the conversations you have at home (or just to yourself) this could be enlightening, hilarious or embarrassingâ€"but no matter what, a parrots natural ability to mimic human language is downright impressive.But why are we talking about parrots?Because its time to parrot the parrots.With a technique called language shadowing, youll be acting like a parrot doesâ€"repeating what you hear in a foreign language, even if you dont fully understand it right away.Of course, as Im sure youll be glad to hear, the difference is that over time youll actually start to learn your target language through this repetition and imitation.Well show you how this unconventional learning method works and how you can start shadowing successfully in five steps. Polly Want Fluency! Learn Like a Parrot with Language ShadowingWhat Is Language Shadowing?Linguist Alexander Arguelles is considered the inventor of language shadowing. Hes created a series of videos focused on teaching and demonstrating the technique.Arguelles defines shadowing as a language learning technique where the student listens to a recording of target language audio, and simultaneously echoes what they hear. Shadowing is designed to force you to focus on the sounds of your target language and develop pronunciation that mimics a native speaker.Ideally, youll eventually also  start to absorb vocabulary, grammar rules and natural sentence structures.According to Arguelles, you wont get the best results from your desk. He recommends doing three things while shadowing to improve your focus and memory:Walking outside swiftlyMaintaining a good postureRepeating aloud in a loud, articulate mannerArguelles, himself a polyglot, has spent most of his academic career working with Korean, and has written several publications on the language and language in general.While Arguelles mayve developed the shadow ing technique into a concrete learning method, there are people whove been using shadowing prior to it having this name.Who Should Consider Language Shadowing?This technique works best for a few types of people:Auditory learnersStudents who learn best with structured study plansPolyglots (if youve already learned a foreign language, speaking with unfamiliar sounds isnt as scary)Even if you dont fall into one of those groups, this out-of-the-box learning method can help energize your same old, same old study plan. Plus, the focused pronunciation practice is inherently valuable, especially if you dont have lots of other opportunities for target language speaking practice.Youll also develop your target language intonation,  the natural melody or pattern of your speech. Depending on the emphasis you consciously or subconsciously place on certain syllables or words while speaking, a sentence can have a slightly different meaning. Intonation develops over time and is affected by how we he ar others speak.So with language shadowing, our intonation develops as we listen and repeat, the same way it does with our native language. Both accents and intonation are crucial to achieving language fluency, so you sound much more natural when you speak, instead of like youre reading from a textbook.Of course,  there are many different ways to approach learning a new language, and shadowing doesnt work for everyone. Like any other method, your individual success with shadowing is dependent on how much time, effort and dedication you put into it.How to Shadow SuccessfullyThe guide below is based on the structure laid out in  Arguelles video Shadowing Step by Step.1. Choose Your Audio ResourceWhat kind of audio should you be listening to?Audiobooks read by a native speaker in your target language are one great optionâ€"LibriVox is a great place to find audiobooks in many different languages. For shorter, more digestible listening, try podcasts in your target language.Youll also wan t to make sure your audio resource has a text component with an English translation  (for example, an e-book version of your audiobook in both languages). Youll see why in the steps below.Dont feel like going on a hunt for those types of resources? You can find perfect shadowing material on FluentU. FluentU provides authentic foreign language videos, like movie trailers, music videos, inspiring talks and more, that have been supercharged with language learning tools.FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient learning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!Each video comes with interactive, bilingual captions in your target language and in English. You can click any word for an instant definition or toggle off the English versionâ€"both of these features will be very helpful for shadowing step number four, below. Youll also get visual learning aids and native pronunciations for every word you click on.The videos come with full transcripts you can refer to as youre shadowing or afterwards. There are even flashcards and exercises to help you remember new words when youre done listening. Dont want to be distracted by the video? You can listen to audio-only clips.The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.FluentU has programs for languages including Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Russian, French and several more. You can start shadowing with authentic videos for free with a FluentU trial.2. Listen and Repeat While Walking AroundAn unconventional but critical part of language shadowing is walking around while listening to and repeating your audio resource.As a non-native speaker, early on its tricky to speak in a foreign language while doing something else, even the simple task of walking. This exercise is designed to get you out of your comfort zone and focusing actively on what youre hearing. It also gives a regimented feel to your shadowing practice, making it harder for you to space out or get lazy with your pronunciation.Walking or pacing while shadowing will seem uncomfortable at first, especially since many of us are inclined to sit down while studying. But as you keep going itll become easier and more natural.Do this step several times until you feel comfortable repeating all of the sounds.3. Listen and Repeat While Reading the English TranslationNow you can start learning what youve actually been saying this whole time!Go back to the start of your audio passage and shadow while reading the English translation of your book or transcript. As Arguelles puts it, this will give you a global understanding of what youre listening to and saying. Youll start to associate meaning with the target language sounds in a natural way.Again, r epeat this stage several times. While you might want to stop pacing around for your own safety, Arguelles still recommends holding your text out in front of you rather than at your lap and keeping an upright posture.4. Listen and Repeat While Reading the Target Language TranscriptAt this stage, youll be reading the target language words as you speak them. If the audio is slow enough, you can actively move your eyes between the target language text and translation to compare the individual words and their meanings (Arguelles recommends you start this stage in this way).Eventually, you should be shadowing your target language and reading your target language only, but understanding what it is youre hearing and saying.The essential idea here is that over time, as you shadow with more and more material, youll learn how to speak and understand words and phrases in your target language in a big picture, natural way. You wont be translating one-to-one between English and your target langua ge, which means you can achieve fluency faster.5. Repeat DailyLanguage shadowing requires daily effort and dedication from the learner. It might feel laborious at first, but proponents of language shadowing say that with this method, learning a language is a much quicker process overall.Why? Along with the benefits noted above, Arguelles and his students say its because of the discipline required, as well as the immersive nature of this method.For me, language shadowing is another learning method to add to my bag of techniques. Shadowing is something I incorporate into learning a new language, but I also use other methods, like journaling for writing practice or language apps to learn grammar and vocabulary. I think one of the best things you can do when learning a new language is to try a variety of methods before homing in on the ones that work best for your unique learning style and lifestyle. As someone whos tried to learn languages using more conventional methods before, I woul d recommend that anyone interested in language shadowing give it a try.After all, if its good enough for parrots, its good enough for me!

Dwight School Dubai

Dwight School Dubai Dwight School Dubai Dwights legacy of innovation and personalized learning dates all the way back to 1872. Right from inception, Dwight has been committed to fostering the next generation of global leaders and ethical citizens who can thrive anywhere in the world. Part of a global network of Dwight Schools, we bring our long and rich heritage of being a premier international independent school to the UAE. The Dwight learning journey is designed to prepare students for bright and promising futures by helping them secure admissions to some of the best Ivy League schools, year after year.Our graduates attend the most prestigious universities around the world, including Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, New York University, Vasser, Cornell, McGill University,Waseda University, Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne,the University of Edinburgh, and St. Andrews. Our alumni have left their mark on our world and our visionary leaders have transformed the educational landscape for more than 145 years and continue to do so to this day. View our Brochure

How NOT to suck at language challenges

How NOT to suck at language challenges Olly Richards is an polyglot (he speaks 7 languages!) and runs a popular language learning blog called I Will Teach You a Language! This is a great post that he wrote which we hope will help you through the italki 2015 New Years Language Challenge. Reposted with permission. Original Post here. “Language challenges”, you may have noticed, are cropping up all over the place! Typically lasting either 30 or 90 days, you come together with other learners from around the world to set goals, learn from each other and make giant strides forward in your language learning. That’s the theory at least. In language challenges, as with anything else, there is the potential to waste your time and even set yourself back. Get it right, though, and you can genuinely catapult your level in your target language into the stratosphere. In this post, I’m going to draw on my experience in the first Add 1 Challenge(back in 2013) to show you exactly how to make a language challenge work for YOU. I know this, because in my first language challenge I made a lot of mistakes…despite being a fairly experienced language learner. Suddenly finding yourself in a new environment can really throw you, even if it does happen to be online! I worked too hard, tried to outdo myself, took it all a bit too seriously… …and ended up burning out! Luckily I managed to turn it around, and wrote about how I did it in this post about learning Cantonese. I don’t want this to happen to you, so read on… 9 keys to success in a language challenge 1) Don’t aim too high. Small steps forward in the right direction are infinitely better than shooting for an unachievable goal and burning out, or beating yourself up for not reaching it. “Be  fluent” is not a good goal. “Have my first 15-minute conversation with a native speaker” is. Modest goals, by being achievable, create space for you to actually enjoy the learning process, and help you avoid the kind of stress that leads to you becoming demotivated and even giving up. 2) Don’t do things that aren’t sustainable in the long term. Sure, you  could  study for 3 hours every night during the challenge, but you won’t be able to keep it up for long.  Rather than aiming  to do as much as possible during the challenge, instead aim to develop habits and routines that you can sustain beyond the end of the challenge. This means focusing on approaches to studying that can fit around your lifestyle. Don’t try to make your lifestyle fit around your language learning â€" it won’t last long. 3) Don’t set goals, but do know where you’re headed. I’ve found that traditional goal setting in language learning doesn’t work for most people. Although this is counter-intuitive (goal setting is very powerful for most things) the reality is that you can’t really control what you learn.  You can, however, control the kinds of activities that might result in learning. By focussing on the process, and not worrying about the product, you will get much further along than if you’re constantly obsessing over “Have I learnt my 20 words for today?” I call this methodology Sprints, and have written a detailed explanation of it here. It has helped a lot of people move forward in their language learning and I highly recommend reading this post if you often find yourself confused about what to do. 4) Aim to experiment as much as possible. It’s by trying new things that you will eventually find  what really works for you. I’ve often found that one small discovery can change the way I learn languages altogether. This is yet another application of the 80/20 principle â€" most things you do will make no difference whatsoever, so learn to set them aside and keep pursuing those that will. 5) Talk as much as possible with other people also involved in the challenge. We’re social beings and shouldn’t exist in bubbles. You are the average of the 5 people around you. Firstly, there’s the moral support and motivation to carry on that you can get from other people. You can learn so much from what other people are trying, and you should always remember that it only takes one person to give you one idea that can change your direction totally. 6) Take the opportunity to push yourself outside your comfort zone.Try things that you wouldn’t otherwise. Scared of booking that tutoring session on iTalki? It’s now or never, and it certainly won’t get any easier once the challenge is over. 7) Announce what you’re doing to friends and family. Accountability is a big deal. In fact, telling people publicly that I’m learning Arabic  has been  a huge motivating factor for me in those moments when I’m less than up for it. I know, for example, that when I head to next year’s Polyglot Gathering in Berlin I’ll be quizzed (in a nice way): “So Olly, how’s your Arabic?” If I say that I haven’t got very far with it, I’ll feel rather foolish! 8) Speak with native speakers more than you currently do. A lot more. Speaking is probably the one thing you don’t do enough of, if your aim is ultimately to be fluent in your target language. Let’s be honest, if you did enough speaking you wouldn’t need to join a language challenge.  And this means that you need to go into the challenge understanding that the elephant in the room really is speaking you’re going to have to find ways to speak more, and services such as iTalki really are the best. If you haven’t started speaking your target language regularly with people yet, it really is much easier and less daunting than you think, and I’ve written a guide to getting started which will help you with this. 9) Don’t ever compare yourself with others. It’s not about how good you get in 90 days. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other people or their level. Everyone is at different stages and will end up in different places. That’s fine. What matters is what you learn for yourself, and, ultimately, what you carry forward to the weeks and months after the challenge is over. As such, don’t worry one bit about “his Japanese is better than mine” or “her accent is more convincing than mine” â€" it may well be, but it doesn’t matter, because you should only worry about how far you’ve come and what you’ve learnt. Follow these guidelines and you’ll be way ahead of the pack. Image 1: alexkphoto Image 2: jennyxyoung How NOT to suck at language challenges Olly Richards is an polyglot (he speaks 7 languages!) and runs a popular language learning blog called I Will Teach You a Language! This is a great post that he wrote which we hope will help you through the italki 2015 New Years Language Challenge. Reposted with permission. Original Post here. “Language challenges”, you may have noticed, are cropping up all over the place! Typically lasting either 30 or 90 days, you come together with other learners from around the world to set goals, learn from each other and make giant strides forward in your language learning. That’s the theory at least. In language challenges, as with anything else, there is the potential to waste your time and even set yourself back. Get it right, though, and you can genuinely catapult your level in your target language into the stratosphere. In this post, I’m going to draw on my experience in the first Add 1 Challenge(back in 2013) to show you exactly how to make a language challenge work for YOU. I know this, because in my first language challenge I made a lot of mistakes…despite being a fairly experienced language learner. Suddenly finding yourself in a new environment can really throw you, even if it does happen to be online! I worked too hard, tried to outdo myself, took it all a bit too seriously… …and ended up burning out! Luckily I managed to turn it around, and wrote about how I did it in this post about learning Cantonese. I don’t want this to happen to you, so read on… 9 keys to success in a language challenge 1) Don’t aim too high. Small steps forward in the right direction are infinitely better than shooting for an unachievable goal and burning out, or beating yourself up for not reaching it. “Be  fluent” is not a good goal. “Have my first 15-minute conversation with a native speaker” is. Modest goals, by being achievable, create space for you to actually enjoy the learning process, and help you avoid the kind of stress that leads to you becoming demotivated and even giving up. 2) Don’t do things that aren’t sustainable in the long term. Sure, you  could  study for 3 hours every night during the challenge, but you won’t be able to keep it up for long.  Rather than aiming  to do as much as possible during the challenge, instead aim to develop habits and routines that you can sustain beyond the end of the challenge. This means focusing on approaches to studying that can fit around your lifestyle. Don’t try to make your lifestyle fit around your language learning â€" it won’t last long. 3) Don’t set goals, but do know where you’re headed. I’ve found that traditional goal setting in language learning doesn’t work for most people. Although this is counter-intuitive (goal setting is very powerful for most things) the reality is that you can’t really control what you learn.  You can, however, control the kinds of activities that might result in learning. By focussing on the process, and not worrying about the product, you will get much further along than if you’re constantly obsessing over “Have I learnt my 20 words for today?” I call this methodology Sprints, and have written a detailed explanation of it here. It has helped a lot of people move forward in their language learning and I highly recommend reading this post if you often find yourself confused about what to do. 4) Aim to experiment as much as possible. It’s by trying new things that you will eventually find  what really works for you. I’ve often found that one small discovery can change the way I learn languages altogether. This is yet another application of the 80/20 principle â€" most things you do will make no difference whatsoever, so learn to set them aside and keep pursuing those that will. 5) Talk as much as possible with other people also involved in the challenge. We’re social beings and shouldn’t exist in bubbles. You are the average of the 5 people around you. Firstly, there’s the moral support and motivation to carry on that you can get from other people. You can learn so much from what other people are trying, and you should always remember that it only takes one person to give you one idea that can change your direction totally. 6) Take the opportunity to push yourself outside your comfort zone.Try things that you wouldn’t otherwise. Scared of booking that tutoring session on iTalki? It’s now or never, and it certainly won’t get any easier once the challenge is over. 7) Announce what you’re doing to friends and family. Accountability is a big deal. In fact, telling people publicly that I’m learning Arabic  has been  a huge motivating factor for me in those moments when I’m less than up for it. I know, for example, that when I head to next year’s Polyglot Gathering in Berlin I’ll be quizzed (in a nice way): “So Olly, how’s your Arabic?” If I say that I haven’t got very far with it, I’ll feel rather foolish! 8) Speak with native speakers more than you currently do. A lot more. Speaking is probably the one thing you don’t do enough of, if your aim is ultimately to be fluent in your target language. Let’s be honest, if you did enough speaking you wouldn’t need to join a language challenge.  And this means that you need to go into the challenge understanding that the elephant in the room really is speaking you’re going to have to find ways to speak more, and services such as iTalki really are the best. If you haven’t started speaking your target language regularly with people yet, it really is much easier and less daunting than you think, and I’ve written a guide to getting started which will help you with this. 9) Don’t ever compare yourself with others. It’s not about how good you get in 90 days. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other people or their level. Everyone is at different stages and will end up in different places. That’s fine. What matters is what you learn for yourself, and, ultimately, what you carry forward to the weeks and months after the challenge is over. As such, don’t worry one bit about “his Japanese is better than mine” or “her accent is more convincing than mine” â€" it may well be, but it doesn’t matter, because you should only worry about how far you’ve come and what you’ve learnt. Follow these guidelines and you’ll be way ahead of the pack. Image 1: alexkphoto Image 2: jennyxyoung