1. Introduction
Foreign language listening comprehension is a complex process and crucial in the development of foreign language
competence; yet, the importance of listening in language learning has only been recognized relatively recently
(Celce-Murcia, 2001; Rost, 2002). Since the role of listening comprehension in language learning was either overlooked
or undervalued, it merited little research and pedagogical attention in the past. But at present, some researchers have
devoted some time to listening and believe it to be an important skill in teaching and learning. For instance, Nunan (1998)
believes that, "listening is the basic skill in language learning. Without listening skill, learners will never learn to
communicate effectively. In fact over 50% of the time that students spend functioning in a foreign language will be
devoted to listening" (p. 1).