Learning Requires Listening
Thursday, August 13th, 2009    Subscribe To Our FeedThe ability to understand and perceive the world around is what sets us apart as a species. As infants, we have the unique ability to listen to sounds and understand them. The first words that a child learns are by listening to parents, understanding and then reproducing these words. It is a small wonder that an individual’s grasp of a native language is always stronger than a second language.
We continue to acquire knowledge during our lifetimes; whether it is inside or outside the classrooms. We learn by listening and doing. The learning process is reinforced by asking questions and being curious about our surroundings. Listening remains one of the most important steps in the learning process.
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.
It goes without saying that speaking, reading and writing are also important. The first exposure that we have to a language is however, listening. It is by listening to a language that we are able to understand the subtle pronunciation and learn to speak the language. It is only after listening, that we will be able to understand and speak a language on our own.
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