The Importance of Listening Comprehension in Language Learning

Many studies in language learning have indicated that listening comprehension plays an important role in the learning process. In spite of its importance, listening has been ignored in second language learning, research, and teaching. The purpose of the present article is to define the terms listening and listening comprehension, review the components of listening, explain teachers' role in listening comprehension, and present the general principles of listening comprehension. The literature review demonstrated that learners' listening comprehension skill can be improved by teachers' assistance and the use of appropriate learning materials and activities.