Importance Of Listening In Language Learning
Posted on July 13, 2009
Filed Under Learn Spanish CD, Learn Spanish Online | Leave a Comment
As human beings we are different from other species. What differentiates us is our ability to intelligently understand our surroundings and to communicate with each other using highly evolved languages. We learn our fist words by listening to our parents, as toddlers. It is not surprising that the first language that we learn is the one in which we are the most fluent.
Knowledge acquisition of course is a process that continues over a lifetime. We spend a large part of our formative years listening to what teachers say in the classrooms. Of course we reinforce the learning by asking questions and then practically doing what our teachers tell us. The first and most important step remains listening.
Listening plays an important role in our learning. For example, when we need to learn a second language, the first thing that we do is to study the grammar and syntax behind the language. But knowledge of grammar and syntax alone will not improve our command over the language. We need to practice using the language.
So, how do we gain fluency in a language other than our mother tongue? By speaking, reading and listening to the language. Listening to the spoken form of the language is of utmost importance. Even people, who have an aptitude for learning language, need to practice a second language in order to become fluent.
Let us take the example of the English language. A person who has not had the benefit of learning English as a first language will have to improve English listening skills in order to learn the nuances of the language. This will help in improving basic language skills and improve confidence in usage of the language.
Needless to say, speaking, reading and writing are also important to learn a language. However, listening to a language is our first level of exposure to a language. We learn about nuances related to pronunciation and our mind begins to decipher and understand the language.
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