The Effect of Shadowing on Pre-intermediate Iraqi EFL Learners’ Pronunciation and Intonation Accuracy

Authors

  • Ammar Jasim Chyad, Hayder Hatem Muslim Ministry of Education, Al-Qadisiyah Education , Diwaniyah , Iraq

Keywords:

Effect of Shadowing, Iraqi EFL Learners’, Iraqi EFL Learners’

Abstract

This study examined the effect of the shadowing technique on the pronunciation and intonation ability of pre-intermediate Iraqi EFL learners.  the study utilized a pre-test, treatment, and immediate post-test design. A total number of 120 Iraqi EFL learners were initially screened through the Oxford Placement Test (OPT) to establish a homogeneous participant pool, ultimately resulting in a final sample of 90 pre-intermediate learners (n=90) from a private institute in Diwaniyah city. Participants were divided into control and experimental groups, with the experimental group receiving instruction focused on the shadowing technique through a series of pre-recorded English dialogues. The shadowing intervention comprised six progressive steps: initial listening, mumbling, synchronized reading, prosodic shadowing, targeted practice on difficult points, and content shadowing. In contrast, the control group engaged in traditional instructor-led pronunciation practice. To assess the effectiveness of the shadowing technique on pronunciation and intonation, a reading aloud test and a short spontaneous conversation including three to four questions were administered. A nine-point pronunciation scale, with detailed descriptors, facilitated consistent scoring. Two independent raters evaluated pronunciation and intonation in a double-blind manner, and the scores were subjected to statistical analyses. The results revealed the beneficial effects of shadowing technique on both pronunciation and intonation accuracy of Iraqi pre-intermediate EFL learners. the findings underscore the potential of the shadowing technique as an groundbreaking approach in EFL instruction, encouraging educators to integrate transformative methodologies that enhance learners' communicative skills.

 

Published

2025-07-01

How to Cite

Ammar Jasim Chyad, Hayder Hatem Muslim. (2025). The Effect of Shadowing on Pre-intermediate Iraqi EFL Learners’ Pronunciation and Intonation Accuracy. TEFL Journal (TJ), 3(1). Retrieved from https://www.tefljournal.com/index.php/TJ/article/view/64

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