DEVELOPING LISTENING SKILLS IN ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Listening is perhaps the most important skill in any language learning. An individual spends a lot of time listening, whether it is during a one to one communication with a friend, or when taking in information through a public medium like the news. Teaching of this language skill thus becomes important, even more so when teaching a second language. English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers recognize the importance of teaching of this essential skill. It is known that any language is best learnt when there is a lot of opportunity to listen. The exposure to the aural input enhances the scope of learning this language. Yet, with listening not exactly a passive activity for the listener, the onus of imparting this essential skill in the learner falls on the curriculum or in other words on the English language teacher. The English as a Second Language teacher has to help the learner to learn how to process the information received through aural means.