Many people tell me that they sometimes have trouble understanding American English speakers.
In response to this concern I will describe three listening strategies you can use to increase your understanding of spoken American English.
But first, you need to remember that written English and spoken English are very different. English is not a phonetic language. That means that there is not always a one-on-one relationship between the letters in the English alphabet and spoken sounds.
In fact, the 26 letters in the English (Roman) alphabet make many different sounds in spoken American English. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, American English has 25 consonant sounds and up to 18 vowel sounds (the exact number of sounds may vary from region to region).
Given that, here are my three listening strategies:
1. Anticipate and predict what may be said.
Before going into a situation where you will be communicating with a native English speaker predict how the conversation might proceed. Depending on the context you should be able to anticipate many of the words and phrases that the speaker will say. Review those words and phrases in your head or even write them down. This way you will be ready to hear these words and phrases should they occur.
2. Listen for the main idea. Don’t try to understand every word!
Don’t listen for every word! American English speakers pronounce content words and focus words with more emphasis than the other words in a sentence or phrase. That’s because content and focus words are the most important for meaning. The other words, called function words, are reduced in the spoken language. Listening for content and focus words reduces the amount of information you have to comprehend. It will help you focus on the most important words.
3. Practice listening to native English speakers using online resources
One of the best online resources for practicing listening comprehension is http://www.esl-lab.com/index.htm.
This is how I suggest you use the listening exercises you’ll find on the above site.
A. Anticipate and predict-Look at the title of the lesson and make some predictions about what words and phrases you might hear.
Then look at the vocabulary words in the pre-listening exercises and make a few more predictions.
B. Listen for the content and focus words-Next, listen to the audio without looking at the text. Focus on the words articulated with the most emphasis.These are the content and focus words.
C. Check -Next, check your comprehension by listening to the audio while you read the text. Notice which words and phrases you didn’t hear or understand and make a note of them.
Continue using the audio and text togther and separately until you feel you can get the meaning of the story. Remember, you don’t always have to get every word, you just need to understand the meaning.
Spoken English involves the use of the schwa vowel in weak forms and reduced syllables, linking and sound assimilation. All featurethat are not apparent in the written language. This can make it difficult for non native speakers to understand what native English speakers are saying. Using the three strategies described here can help you improve your listening skills.
Susan Ryan is an American English pronunciation teacher and accent reduction coach. She currently lives in South Florida. Read more articles by Susan at http://www.confidentvoice.com/blog/
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