Improving all speech skills plays an important role in learning English. Many courses do not focus on the communicative side of the process. However, in most cases, it is communication in the language that is the main goal. How to improve your listening comprehension – we will tell you in the article.
Knowledge of grammar and a rich vocabulary such as translate app for mac is very important. It is also important to be able to apply this knowledge in practice in presenting your thoughts. There remains one more thing – the ability to listen and hear.
The reasons for the difficulties
Difficulty listening to English can have several causes.
“Weak” English
One of the main subjective reasons for misunderstanding is poor knowledge of the English language. Knowledge of the basics of grammar and the development of an active vocabulary will greatly facilitate the process of perceiving foreign speech. We are talking about an active vocabulary, because it is important to immediately respond to a construction or a stable expression. You will not be able to “re-listen” or “re-listen more slowly” during a call.
Despite the fact that verbal communication often involves simplifying language material, reducing words and phrases, this can become another difficulty. In order to speak more or less freely, using new vocabulary and grammar, you need patience, practice and time for all this to “settle” in your head.
Lack of practice
The second subjective reason for causing difficulties in the perception of English by ear is the lack of practice. Perfect knowledge of grammar and vocabulary in writing or when translating texts does not at all imply fluent communication in English. Sometimes speech difficulties can arise even in the native language.
Another reason can be an emotional state – excitement, fear, or overexcitement from the joy of communication. In this case, concentration is lost, attention falls, and you focus on only one thing. We will tell you what will help to get rid of this a little later.
Let’s talk about factors that you cannot influence in any way.
Features of the speaker’s speech
Unfortunately, perfect pronunciation and accent can only be found on audio recordings that accompany training courses. It’s great if they exist and can train you. But such “refined”, clear and precise speech is not often found. Accents, dialects that vary from region to region, personal characteristics of the speaker, “parasitic words”, slang – this will need to be adjusted.
Recording quality (when it comes to listening)
Let’s go back to recordings with English texts or radio broadcasts. A bad signal or incorrect recording will make it difficult for you to understand English. Unfortunately, you are powerless here – you need to tune your ear.
Do not despair if such a problem exists in your life. Listening to English is a skill that can and should be developed. So, here are some tips to help you cope with listening comprehension difficulties.
Tips for developing your English listening comprehension
Practice
Try to speak the language as much as possible to listen to the interlocutor. Free conversation clubs can now be found in most cities. Many of them exist at universities or foreign language schools. The teacher will supervise you and help you learn to express your thoughts in English. In such a company, you want – you don’t want to listen.
The Internet is a great resource for communication. Some forums are specially created so that registered users can exchange Skype contacts and practice communication in English. Here are some sites that practice learning through live communication:
http://sharedtalk.com
http://mylanguageexchange.com
http://conversationexchange.com
http://speaking24.com
Listening to recordings regularly
The key to success is regularity. Imagine what listening is – your indispensable water. Allocate 15 – 20 minutes for audio lessons in English, even on a very busy schedule.
Overcoming the anxiety before communication
In most cases, worry is the fear of making a mistake. Since school days, we have been scolded for poor grades. Let it go. Allow yourself to make mistakes. Your participation in the conversation is more important than a computer-verified perfect grammar. Breaking down a language barrier can be tricky, but you can start by simply allowing yourself to be wrong and not berating yourself for it. You are not being judged – they want to talk to you.
Watching TV shows or movies in English
This will greatly enrich your spoken English and help to train your ear to abbreviations and slang expressions. Start with films you’ve already seen with Russian translation. Help yourself: first turn on subtitles, but after a while, turn them off and continue watching, listening to the English speech.
Finally, the most important advice is to choose the material from which you
enjoy!
Songs, films, cartoons, audiobooks – listen to what brings you joy in English. This will provide additional motivation.
We wish you success in your learning and listening skills development!
