2.1 Listening skill
2.1.1. Listening processes
Vandergrift (1997) mentioned that second language (L2) listening
comprehension is a complex process, especially in the development of second
language competence. Both bottom-up processes (linguistic knowledge) and topdown
processes (prior knowledge) are normally used to comprehend. Knowing the
context of a listening text and the purpose for listening greatly reduces the burden of
comprehension.
Research has demonstrated that adults spend 40-50% of communication time
listening (Gilman & Moody 1984), but the importance of listening in language
learning has only been recognized relatively recently (Oxford 1993). Although
listening played an important role in classes where English is used as a medium,
students have only chances to listen to repeat and develop a better pronunciation (for
speaking). Beginning in the early 70's, work by Asher, Postovsky, Winitz and, later,
Krashen, brought attention to the role of listening as a tool for understanding and a
key factor in facilitating language learning. Listening has emerged as an important
component in the process of second language acquisition (Feyten, 1991).