25. Listening
Listening is receiving language
through the ears. Listening involves
identifying the sounds of speech and
processing them into words and
sentences. When we listen, we use
our ears to receive individual sounds
(letters, stress, rhythm and pauses)
Listening in any language requires
focus and attention. It is a skill that
some people need to work at harder
than others. People who have
difficulty concentrating are typically
poor listeners. Listening in a second
language requires focus.
To become a fluent speaker in
English, we need to develop strong
listening skills. Listening not only
helps you understand what people
are saying to you. It also helps you
to speak clearly to other people. It
helps you learn how to pronounce
words properly, how to use
intonation, and where to place
stress in words and sentences.
26. Speaking
Speaking is the delivery of language
through the mouth. To speak, we
create sounds using many parts of
our body, including the lungs, vocal
tract, vocal chords, tongue, teeth
and lips. It can also be planned and
rehearsed, as in the delivery of a
speech or presentation. In fact,
some English learners practice
speaking standing alone in front of a
mirror.
Speaking is probably the language
skill that most language learners
wish to perfect as soon as possible.
It used to be the only language skill
that was difficult to practice online.
Learners can practice speaking
online using voice or video chat and
services like Skype. They can also
record and upload their voice for
other people to listen to. However,
we can practice talking with friends.