Shadowing Practice: How to Learn English On Your Own (for FREE) - Learn English Speaking with Video
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My name is Brian Wiles and in this video I’m going to show you the best way to learn English on your own.
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Together, we're going to create a daily learning routine that covers all the major elements of learning English: vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, listening, speaking, and reading and writing skills.
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I'll show you the best resources for building each of these skills based on your current level of English.
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And then we'll create a learning plan that meets your goals and needs as a student.
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Let's get started.
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Right now, you probably understand at least some English.
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Maybe you studied it in school or you've watched American movies or you're currently learning as an adult.
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And that's fantastic.
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But in order to find the resources that will serve you best, it’s helpful to have a clear understanding of your current level of English.
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And to do that, you can take this free English proficiency test.
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And I'll put links to everything I'm talking about in the video description box below.
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After you take the test, your results will be based on the CEFR scale and you'll receive a score somewhere between A1, beginner level and C2, which is close to a native level of fluency.
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Keep your score in mind throughout this video because I'll be recommending different materials based on your current level of English.
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Before you dive into watching TV shows and listening to podcasts, it's important that you have a core understanding of how the English language works: how to conjugate a verb, how to build a sentence how to ask a question, things like that.
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And to build that understanding, you should use one of these two courses.
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They're both excellent and they're completely free and they'll give you all the knowledge you need to continue learning on your own.
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The only question for you is whether you want to study American English or British English.
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And I'll talk more about that decision in our next segment on pronunciation.
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if your English is already at a B2 level or above, you don't need to be using a course at all.
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At that level, you'll learn faster by focusing on your listening, reading and speaking skills.
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And again, we'll talk about building the right routine for your needs at the end of this video.
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As you probably know, there are many different dialects of English: American, British, Australian, etc.
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And every dialect has a different pronunciation.
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I parked my car across the street.
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The good news is that no matter what English dialect you learn, it's pretty easy to understand the others.
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99% of the vocabulary will be the same.
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The bad news is that all English dialects have some pretty bizarre spellings and pronunciations.
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So you should study the dialect that you find most interesting or useful.
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For many people, that's American English.
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And the Youtube channel Rachel’s English has a free course that I highly recommend for anyone who wants to improve their American English pronunciation.
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As you'll see, Rachel gives clear and concise explanations on how to create every sound in the English language.
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Your job is to watch those guides listen carefully, and then record yourself pronouncing the various sounds.
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Then ask yourself, How did I do?
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If there's room for improvement, go back to the guides, make an adjustment and try again.
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once you have a solid understanding of basic English pronunciation, you can start practicing a more advanced technique.
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Vocal placement Vocal placement refers to the way muscles in our mouths actually shape sound, and it's an important part of English pronunciation.
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You can use this playlist as a starting point, but eventually you'll begin to hear English vocal placement on your own.
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When that happens, you can practice by listening to news broadcasts and again recording yourself and trying to match what you hear.
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If you're interested in learning British pronunciation, I recommend using this playlist to study basic technique and this one to master vocal placement.
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if you want to speak fluent English, It's essential that you build a wide vocabulary of words and phrases, and the simplest way to do that is by using flashcards.
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There are thousands of flashcard tools out there, but I recommend that you use a program called Anki.
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It's completely free on a PC or Mac, and you can use a browser version for free on your phone.
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Anki isn't particularly pretty, but it uses something called spaced repetition, which will let you learn as many new words as possible in the shortest amount of time.
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All you need to do is open up the app and practice every day.
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If you're currently at the A1 or A2 level, you should practice with this Anki deck.
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As you can see, each card includes a native audio, so you can also practice proper pronunciation as you memorize new words.
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Once you reach an intermediate level of English B one and above, you can move on to this Anki deck, which includes more specific and conversational language at the advanced level, C1 and C2.
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It's a good idea to start creating your own flashcards based on new words that you hear and see in English language media, podcasts, books, TV shows, things like that.
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I'll share my top recommendations for each of those categories in just a moment.
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But first, let's talk about how to master one of the trickiest aspects of the English language: grammar.
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English grammar is challenging and sometimes quite strange, but with the right kind of practice, I promise that it will start to feel natural over time and I want to be clear that studying grammar rules does not need to be a part of your language learning routine.
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If you consistently use the other resources that I talk about in this video, you'll automatically build an understanding of English grammar.
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but I know that it can be frustrating when a phrase or a sentence just doesn't make sense.
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So with that in mind, here are my recommendations for learning about English grammar.
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For beginners, you should rely on one of the courses that I mentioned earlier.
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They give clear explanations about English grammar in over a dozen languages.
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For intermediate students, I recommend this free course from Shaw English Online.
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The host Esther, covers every major topic in English grammar, and each video includes subtitles in around ten languages.
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and for advanced students who want to build an in-depth understanding of English grammar.
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You can explore this Khan Academy course, which goes into significant detail.
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It is, however, only available in English.
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Finally, for students of any level who want to learn more about English grammar via a book, the infographic guide to Grammar is by far my favorite.
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It uses pictures and graphics to explain English grammar, which makes the concepts far more interesting and easy to understand.
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Listening is arguably the most important skill for any English learner because it's the key to understanding how English is used in the real world.
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And if you can understand spoken English, it will be much easier for you to read, write and speak English.
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personally, I think that using podcasts is the best way to practice listening in a new language.
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For reasons that I talk about in this video.
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So let's talk about the best podcasts for building your listening skills in English.
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if you're somewhere between the A1 and B1 level, you should use one of these podcasts based on the English dialect that you want to study: American or British.
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At this level, there aren't many high quality podcasts to choose from and these two are far and away the best once you reach an intermediate level of English, however, you have hundreds of options.
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So let's start with American English.
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Starting at the B1 level, I recommend using the American English podcast.
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The hosts speak slowly and clearly and this podcast covers all kinds of useful topics for English learners common expressions, slang words, cultural notes, etc.
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at the B2 level you can try the past and the curious.
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This is actually a podcast for older kids, but the content is interesting and it's very well-produced At the sea level, your choices are almost endless.
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But I would recommend starting with The Moth Story Hour or Radiolab, both of which will help you develop a native level of English and a deeper understanding of American culture.
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Likewise for British English.
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You can listen to these podcasts based on your current level, now, no matter what your level or which dialect you're learning, you want to make sure that you're using podcasts effectively.
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That means when you hear a word or phrase, you don't understand.
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Use Google Translate to get a definition in your native language, and then later on you can review any new words by looking through your translation history.
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And as I mentioned earlier, making your own flashcards in Anki is always a good idea Now, maybe you’re wondering: can watching movies and TV in English be part of my learning routine?
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Absolutely.
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Although I wouldn't recommend relying on TV or movies to boost your English until you reach a relatively advanced level B2 or above.
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The key, however, is that while you're watching, you should only use English subtitles, not subtitles in your native language.
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With that in mind, feel free to find shows or movies you like and make watching them a part of your daily routine.
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Just remember to look up new words and phrases whenever you hear them.
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What's the best way to improve your English speaking skills?
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Practice. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts.
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But let's talk about a few different methods that you can use every day to become a fluent English speaker.
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Method one: ChatGPT.
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It's now possible to have complete voice chats with ChatGPT.
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And they're easy to set up.
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Simply open up the app, click on this headphone icon and start making conversation.
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you can have an everyday conversation or ask the system to correct your mistakes.
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In fact, you can use this feature to practice any number of languages, but it's a great way to start building your confidence with spoken English.
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Method number two: Self-Talk.
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You can also improve your speaking skills by narrating your thoughts out loud.
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For example: Right now I am filming a video about how to learn English, and when I'm done, I am going to go have lunch.
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It doesn't need to be complicated.
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You just want experience putting sentences together out loud.
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And this method will also develop your ability to think in English instead of translating in your head.
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It's very useful for learners at every level.
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Method number three: Chatting with online Conversation Partners.
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Ultimately, the best way to practice speaking English is by talking with other people, and it's easy to find conversation partners online.
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And finally, method number four, immersion.
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If you have the opportunity to speak English with someone in the real world, go for it.
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Whatever your level, As I've talked about in other videos, one of the biggest obstacles to learning a new language is overcoming your fear of saying the wrong thing.
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But the truth is, if you're waiting until you can speak perfect English before you start talking to strangers, well, that day may never come.
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So embrace your discomfort and go for it.
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Learning to read English is a hugely valuable life skill, especially if you plan to work or study in an English speaking country.
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And once you reach an advanced level of English, reading can help you develop a native level understanding of the language.
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luckily there are several websites that offer free reading material in English for students at various levels.
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beginners and intermediate learners should check out FreeKidsBooks.org.
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Once you're on the site, you can search by age or English level and find free ebooks to download onto your phone or laptop.
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advanced learners can also look into Project Gutenberg.
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This is a massive online database of free English ebooks, including classic literature from writers like Shakespeare and Mark Twain.
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these books aren't easy, but they're unbelievably rich.
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And if your ultimate goal is to speak English not just fluently, but in fact eloquently, reading this kind of material is essential.
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As with reading.
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Learning to write effectively in English is extremely important for both students and professionals and A.I. has made it very easy for anyone around the world to practice and improve their writing any time.
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simply open up chat GPT, start typing and when you're ready, ask the software to correct any mistakes or improve your overall style.
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You can also ask GPT to give you writing prompts on a specific topic, say personal health to refine your understanding in a given area.
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Beyond that, it's really up to you just keep writing and asking the system for feedback with time and consistent practice, you'll get a little better every day.
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Now let's talk about how to use the resources in this video to build a daily learning routine that focuses on the skills you want to develop.
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First of all, set aside a fixed amount of time every day for learning English.
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Ideally, it should be at least one hour, but you can adjust the timing to suit your needs.
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If you're a total beginner, you'll want to spend most of your time developing your core understanding of English by using one of the free courses that I mentioned.
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In addition, you should be working on your English pronunciation and growing your vocabulary with flashcards.
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Once you reach the A2 level, you should also start to develop your listening skills by using one of the beginner level podcasts that I mentioned.
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At the intermediate level, you can start to follow your own instincts about what's working best.
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If you like, you can continue to follow your course or you can make listening the main engine for your ongoing learning.
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you'll also want to keep building your vocabulary and you should start to develop your speaking skills via the various methods that we discussed earlier.
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If you're interested in using English for work or at school, this is also a good time to start developing your reading and writing skills.
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As an advanced learner, your daily learning routine should follow your needs and interests.
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Courses are not effective at this level, so you should use both listening and reading resources to make consistent progress.
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In addition, you should be speaking English every day and seeking out opportunities to make conversation as much as possible.
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As an advanced learner, it's also a good idea to work on your English writing skills.
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No matter what your goals.
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Writing will help you see your weaknesses when it comes to English proficiency, which you can then address by making them a part of your daily routine.
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And of course, all of this can be adjusted based on your interests and goals.
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Ultimately, the most important thing is that you just keep learning.
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So do what works for you and keep going.
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With time and practice, you can absolutely become a fluent English speaker.
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Thanks for watching and I hope this video is useful.
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If you have any questions, please let me know. Bye bye.
Why practice speaking with this video?
Practicing speaking English is crucial for achieving fluency and confidence in your communication skills. In this video, Brian Wiles offers invaluable insights on how to learn English with YouTube, focusing on a variety of essential language elements like vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. By following his methods, particularly the shadowing technique, learners can mimic native speakers and improve their English pronunciation comprehensively. The interactive nature of speaking along with the video enables you to actively engage with the language, making the learning process more effective and enjoyable.
Grammar & Expressions in Context
Throughout the video, several key grammatical structures are highlighted that can aid learners in understanding English sentence construction:
- How to conjugate a verb: Understanding verb forms is essential for constructing basic and complex sentences.
- How to build a sentence: The speaker emphasizes the importance of sentence structure, which is foundational for both speaking and writing.
- Asking questions: The focus on question forms not only helps in conversation but also encourages interactive learning.
- Using conditionals: Brian uses specific examples to illustrate conditional forms, which are vital for discussing hypothetical situations.
These structures can be incorporated into your practice when using the shadow speak technique, where you listen to Brian and speak along to cement your understanding of grammar in context.
Common Pronunciation Traps
English pronunciation can be quite challenging due to varying accents and dialects. In the video, Brian points out the differences between British and American English, which can present hurdles for learners. Here are a few pronunciation traps to be aware of:
- Vowel sounds: Certain words may be pronounced differently based on dialect, which can lead to confusion. Pay attention to how words like "car" and "far" are articulated in various accents.
- Consonant clusters: Words with closely packed consonants, such as "strength," can be difficult to pronounce correctly. Regular practice using the shadowing technique can help improve clarity.
- Linking sounds: Native speakers often link words together, creating a fluid sound. Understanding these connections is vital for listening and model pronunciation.
By focusing on these common pitfalls, learners can significantly improve their English pronunciation. Recording your practice and comparing it with the video will enhance your learning experience and assist you in mastering these challenges.
What is the Shadowing Technique?
Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.