Shadowing Practice: Linguistic Relativity: How Language Shapes Thought - Learn English Speaking with Video

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Linguistic relativity theory suggests that the languages we pick up and use influence how we see the world - the perception of our surroundings, our sense of time, our memories, our behavior, and even our sense of self.
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First, there’s our perception.
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Each language has different words to describe the things around us and these differences change the way we perceive these things.
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For example, an Italian might see objects as male or female, while an English speaker won’t —a phenomenon that extends to the perception of space.
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The Kuuk Thaayorre, an aboriginal tribe, does not use left or right in their language.
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Instead, they rely on cardinal directions: North, East, South, and West.
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They might say “Pass me the salt on the South-west of the pepper”.
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It's probably no coincidence that they have supernatural navigational skills.
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There is the sense of time.
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Because languages are written in different directions, people who write left to right will perceive the sequence of events accordingly.
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Speakers of Arabic and Hebrew might do so the other way around.
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In the Amele language in Papua New Guinea, there are 3 forms of past tense: Today’s past tense, yesterday’s, and remote past tense.
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To use the correct verb, speakers need to pay close attention to when something has happened — and hence may perceive the past in greater detail.
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Language also affects our Memories.
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In English, if a child breaks a vase accidentally, we may say “he broke the vase” — putting the responsibility on the kid.
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In Spanish people would say “El jarrón se rompió” or “The vase broke” — giving more credit to the environment — a small difference with big consequences.
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Studies show that speakers of languages like Spanish that tend to consider these kinds of events accidental are less likely to recall the people involved.
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In languages that emphasize an intention, the actors are remembered more clearly.
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And if things end up in court the accused is more likely to be found guilty, if the language used during the trial is active, like English.
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Then there is our behavior.
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Languages are often associated with culture, and with the context in which it was learned.
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As a result, those who speak various languages, access different parts of themselves.
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One study on Spanish-English bilinguals showed that people exhibit different personality traits when switching their language.
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When speaking English, subjects were more agreeable, but when they switched to Spanish they were more neurotic.
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And finally, our sense of self.
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The words we speak also influence how we feel about ourselves.
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Self-affirming language for example activates brain areas linked to reward and self-perception and can increase our confidence — an effect that extends to how we perceive pain.
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Bilinguals report greater levels of pain when they speak the language to which they relate the most.
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The theory: if one language represents a bigger part of their identity, they also perceive the sensations inside their body with greater intensity.
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With about 7000 languages all around us, nobody knows exactly how they affect our minds.
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But they certainly frame our thoughts and influence the way we look at the world.
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In Thai for example, the word for heart, 'jai', is woven into their language to describe a variety of human traits.
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Someone friendly is “jai dee”, literally a good heart.
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Someone that’s patient is “jai yen” a "cool heart " and someone generous, is “jai gwang” a "big heart”.
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As Benjamin Lee Whorf, the linguist behind the theory wrote: "Language is not merely a reproducing instrument for voicing ideas but rather is itself the shaper of ideas, the program and guide for the individual's mental activity." So, if you ever learn a new language, remember: you're not just learning new words.
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You're opening your mind to a new way of seeing and interacting with the world.
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What do you think?
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Do you speak more than one language?
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And if so, do you feel like your behavior changes when you switch between them?
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Tell us your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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Why This Video Is Great for English Speaking Practice

If you’re looking to learn English with YouTube, this video on linguistic relativity is a goldmine. It’s packed with clear, conversational explanations, diverse vocabulary, and real-world examples—perfect for building fluency. The topics (perception, time, memory) are engaging, so you’ll stay motivated while practicing. Plus, the natural flow of the dialogue makes it ideal for shadowspeak (repeating phrases aloud to mimic pronunciation and rhythm), a key technique for improving speaking skills.

Breaking Down Natural English Phrases

Let’s look at a few lines that sound authentic and why they work: 1. “It's probably no coincidence that they have supernatural navigational skills.” The phrase “no coincidence” is a common way to link two ideas, and “supernatural navigational skills” uses specific vocabulary to paint a vivid picture—great for expanding your descriptive language. 2. “A small difference with big consequences.” This short, impactful sentence uses contrast (“small” vs. “big”) to emphasize a point, a technique native speakers use to make ideas memorable. 3. “You're not just learning new words. You're opening your mind to a new way of seeing…” The structure “not just… you're…” creates a strong, persuasive flow, perfect for IELTS speaking practice where connecting ideas clearly is key.

A Simple Shadow Speak Routine for This Video

Try this 10-minute english speaking practice loop:

  1. Watch a 30-second clip of the video, focusing on the speaker’s tone and pauses.
  2. Play the clip again, pausing after each sentence. Repeat it aloud immediately, mimicking the rhythm and stress (this is shadow speak). Don’t worry about mistakes—focus on matching the sound.
  3. Record yourself repeating the clip. Compare it to the original: Did you stress the right words? Did you pause in the same places? Adjust and try again.
  4. Move to a longer clip (1 minute) and repeat. Over time, you’ll notice your pronunciation and fluency improve.

This routine works because it trains your mouth and brain to think in English, making it easier to speak naturally. Whether you’re prepping for IELTS speaking practice or just want to sound more confident, this video and shadowing technique will help you progress.

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.

Shadowing technique: read the full step-by-step guide →