This technique can be used for any language, as long as
it’s spoken.
I was inspired to write this post after reading The 4-Hour Workweek
I was inspired to write this post after reading The 4-Hour Workweek
Listening skill is often mistakenly considered the hardest
skill among speaking, writing and reading. It’s no doubt the most essential
skills because languages mean communication. You can’t speak well unless your
listening is well.
But, is listening skill that difficult ?
OK, let’s do some observation.
Here comes the babies !
The basic steps for language learning are listening,
speaking, reading and writing. The baby follows exactly these steps. At first, the baby often speak his/her own language which could be, obviously, understood by him/her
only. So, parents need to make contact through conversation.
Do they ever ask for the answer ?
No, of course not.
No, of course not.
In fact, the more the parents talk, the faster the baby reply. What would
happen if the parents ceased talking ? The baby would be speechless to the
mother tongue. They can understand everything we speak to them, althought they can’t
reply at that moment.
That’s the result from continuous talk.
By repeating this action, the
link between linguistic neurons are created and strengthened.
Gradually, the baby begins to
distinguish words, recognize his ( or her ) name, follow the order… Of course,
speaking comes after shortly.
Did the parents force the baby ?
No, they smile, they encourage. They give their baby enough mental support to overcome the very first linguistic barrier.
No, they smile, they encourage. They give their baby enough mental support to overcome the very first linguistic barrier.
So, there’re two things we derived from the baby experience for harnessing listening skill :
1. Long exposure to the language and,
2. An appropriate mental state ( interesting, fun, comfortable )
The common way
Some of us often try to improve our skill by listening to
conversations in tapes or CDs.
I personally hate this method because it’s tooooo boring ( A talks to B then B replies, like playing ping-pong ). No fun, no excitement.
And it’s still considered a common way for somebody to improve the listening skill.
I personally hate this method because it’s tooooo boring ( A talks to B then B replies, like playing ping-pong ). No fun, no excitement.
And it’s still considered a common way for somebody to improve the listening skill.
To me, there’re alternatives . And it’s much much better
than those lousy chit-chat.
Be realistic. It takes you only 6 months to understand 80% of any talks. But being a native listener costs you 4 to 5 years to achieve.
Now, show me !
So, there’re 2 ways to improve your listening skill.
First way:
If you love going out and meet and talk, go to the
place in which the language is used ( market, bar, club.. ). Already in the
country using that language ? Fantastic ! Like Dale Carnegie stated “ … Go out
and get busy !”.
You can make friends, too. Talking to friends is one of the
most effective ways to boost your listening skill. Everybody loves someone who
is willing to learn their mother tongue. Trust me !
But, if you’re too shy to go out there. Or, just don’t want
to go out. It’s OK, too. Here’s the second way. This method is proven to be useful
because I did it myself 7 years ago. It’s absolutely fun, effective, and
exciting to do.
Second way :
Listening to your favorite songs 2+ hrs a day
Songs have rhythm, songs have lyrics. They are much better
then those bored-to-death conversations.
Why don’t you give songs a shot ? Before that :
There’re some pieces of advice :
a. Variation is the best.
Songs are food for thought, food for mind. You may be unaware of this fact : Songs affect your moods. They can raise your feeling up or down.
However, keeping your emotions too high or too low isn’t good on the long run. Many love songs and you’ll feel romantic and less energetic. Otherwise, lots of exciting pop songs are likely to make you vigorous, tired and hard to concentrate.
Songs are food for thought, food for mind. You may be unaware of this fact : Songs affect your moods. They can raise your feeling up or down.
However, keeping your emotions too high or too low isn’t good on the long run. Many love songs and you’ll feel romantic and less energetic. Otherwise, lots of exciting pop songs are likely to make you vigorous, tired and hard to concentrate.
b. 2 hours a day is needed.
Is it hard ? No, you can do the listening while driving, while browsing Internet, while Facebooking or Twittering… You don’t need a full 2 -hour- listening, at least make it 30 minutes each time. But the accumulation should be 2 hours or more.
Is it hard ? No, you can do the listening while driving, while browsing Internet, while Facebooking or Twittering… You don’t need a full 2 -hour- listening, at least make it 30 minutes each time. But the accumulation should be 2 hours or more.
c. Use speakers. Since this method requires continuous
listening for a long time, so , please, for your ears, don’t use earphones ( or
headphones ). Speakers are the best.
There’s another reason for speakers.
Imagine how funny it is watching a baby wearing earphones. Sound consists of
waves containing energy. While parents are talking to the baby, not only
his/her brain, but the entire body is exposing to the energy. The adaption is
much better and faster.
You don't need to have high-end speakers.I'd like a 2.1 speaker system with subwoofer
d. Start with your favorite songs/artists/bands
Now, for the beginner with English songs, you might want to
hear :
1. ABBA
They’re one of my favorite bands with various hits. Their songs are amazing sets of rhythm. From slow “ The winner takes it all” to exciting “Voulez vous”, “Head over heels” and “Gimme, gimme, gimme” are absolutely fantastic.
They’re one of my favorite bands with various hits. Their songs are amazing sets of rhythm. From slow “ The winner takes it all” to exciting “Voulez vous”, “Head over heels” and “Gimme, gimme, gimme” are absolutely fantastic.
2. The Beatles
Words are not enough when it comes to describe the greatness of this band. “ And I love her”, “Let it be”, truly masterpiece.
Words are not enough when it comes to describe the greatness of this band. “ And I love her”, “Let it be”, truly masterpiece.
3.The Bee Gees
Another great band with legendary hits. “Staying alive” is supreme, “How deep is your love ?”, “Holiday”, “Words” are fantastic lullabies.
Another great band with legendary hits. “Staying alive” is supreme, “How deep is your love ?”, “Holiday”, “Words” are fantastic lullabies.
4. Michael Jackson
My idol. “Heal the World” is a must-hear with meaningful lyrics and beautiful rhythm.
My idol. “Heal the World” is a must-hear with meaningful lyrics and beautiful rhythm.
5. Backstreet Boys
Check out “Everybody”, “Show me the meaning of being lonely” and you will love them.
Check out “Everybody”, “Show me the meaning of being lonely” and you will love them.
Final words but important - Forget the lyrics
You may not understand the whole lyrics of those songs. It’s
natural. I don’t really care for the lyrics. I love the songs. Our goal is to
have fun. Just listen to the music and relax ( So, don’t search for the lyrics
on Internet )
Make it your habit. Whenever you turn on your PC, let the
songs be played. Listen to it unconsciously, put yourself in that environment.
Don’t think about improving listening skill, just listening, and that’s all.
How long does it take for this method to be effective ?
Results may vary. The more you listen, the faster the result comes. In my case,
it took me just a year.
And the truth is, once you can listen well, you’ll love the language so much that you want to improve other skills as well. Believe me !
And the truth is, once you can listen well, you’ll love the language so much that you want to improve other skills as well. Believe me !
Resources
Check out these collections and fall in love with them.
ABBA : The Definitive Collection
The Beatles Anthology
The White Album
The Ultimate Bee Gees (2 CD)
The Essential Michael Jackson
The Hits--Chapter One
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