|
 |
Shadowing for the physically handicapped? | ||
Share with:
| ||
 Language Learning Forum : Lessons in Polyglottery |  | |
| TreoPaul Senior Member United States Joined 6115 days ago 121 posts - 118 votes  Speaks: English* Studies: German | Message 1 of 2 21 October 2008 at 9:16am | IP Logged |
|
Professor Arguelles,
I have read with great interest your writings on the shadowing method of language acquisition. My understanding is that you place a very high importance upon the physical aspect of shadowing, i.e. shadowing while engaged in a brisk walk. If I have incorrectly interpreted this aspect, my question is moot. There are those of us who are not physically capable of an energetic activity accompanying shadowing, or any other pursuit. My question is whether you have any thoughts or student experiences to share regarding modifying shadowing to accommodate disability. The likely, obvious answer would be that one should perform the shadowing implementing whatever level of physical activity as can safely be performed by the individual. I'm also curious as to how much impact would result from a modified, non-optimal implementation of shadowing? If the physical element is critical, do you feel that shadowing is not an effective tool for the disabled, or is still well justified despite the resultant loss of effectiveness? Thank you again for all of your thoughtful and gracious contributions to the language community. Paul Harker 1 person has voted this message useful | |
| ProfArguelles Moderator United States foreignlanguageexper Joined 7041 days ago 609 posts - 2102 votes | Message 2 of 2 03 November 2008 at 8:43am | IP Logged |
|
Dear Mr. Harker:
Thank you for your letter, which raises an interesting consideration. To begin with, yes, the obvious answer is indeed that, if shadowing appeals to you as a technique but you are physically handicapped in such a fashion that prevents you from moving swiftly while you do it, then you will just have to do it while stationary. Quite obviously, the vast majority of people who have ever learned a foreign language have done so while seated at a desk rather than while striding along a path, so you will be in good company. That said, I do not believe that the physical activity involved in this method is merely incidental, and it is necessary for its optimal implementation. The main reason for this is that it is a valuable aid to focus and concentration. Sitting in a chair, at a desk or in a booth in a language laboratory, it is not long before the mind begins to wander and/or before one begins to feel bored. Striding swiftly, it is much easier to remain focused on assimilating and internalizing the material. Thus it is that this, in my experience, has proven to the most efficient means of laying in the foundation of an acquaintanceship with a new language. Clearly, although motion is a means to inducing focus and concentration, it is these that are important, and not motion itself. Thus, the fact that you cannot move does not mean that you ought not to try this method. If you can remain focused upon the material while stationary, it will still be efficacious. If not, however, then you would be better off using some other technique. Best of wishes to you in your studies! Alexander Arguelles 1 person has voted this message useful |
If you wish to post a reply to this topic you must first login. If you are not already registered you must first register
|  | 
Printable version
|
| Copyright 2024 FX Micheloud - All rights reserved No part of this website may be copied by any means without my written authorization. |
