Confluence 26 February 2011

CONFLUENCE 26 February 2011

Focus on Listening for developing Speaking skills in learning a Second Language
Dr Seetha Jayaraman
Asst.Professor,Dhofar University,
Sultanate of Oman
[e-mail]


Abstract

Language is a tool of verbal communication for effective transmission of information. Although non-verbal communication can be effected equally well through expressive sounds, onomatopoeia, facial expressions and body gestures, body postures and movements, human beings are endowed with the art and skill of communicating through articulate speech, which is the advanced method of communication across individuals. One of the primary properties of language is that ‘language is human specific’. The primacy of speech over writing has long been emphasized and debated by researchers. Acquisition of good receptive skills is the key factor in the acquisition of good productive skills. But we tend to minimize or ignore the importance of developing strong receptive skills of listening and reading, which is a prerequisite for mastery of productive skills of speaking and writing. Regardless of the field of usage, speaking and writing in English as media of expression are vital in different fields and subfields of science and technology. This is evidenced in the presentation of results of various experimental studies (Nunan, 1993) both in oral and written forms. There is now an increasing need to focus on developing the ability to translate and interpret scientific data using aural skills, based on specific use and different users. The study presents the importance of listening to achieve better speaking ability among language learners in general and learners of English as Second language, in particular. Therefore, a major requirement in the language learning/teaching situation is that of extra emphasis on the receptive aspects of language.