31 Steps to Learn a New Language: Step #13 - Learn How to Listen

Learning how to speak is not the only thing language learners need to focus on. Another aspect to take into consideration is learning how to listen. By improving their listening skills, learners can detect patterns in language. This can help improve their grammar and structures when speaking. It is not enough to be able to understand and write in their chosen language. A learner who listens well is able to notice details in a language and is better able to mimic or parrot them.

Extensive and repeated listening of a language sets up structures in the brain required to learn a new language. This can help in understanding a new language. This tissue also grows by listening to the language, which is how babies learn their first language. Putting the language to use is always the most important step to take towards fluency. But the ability to listen well speeds up that process and will greatly benefit the learner in the long run.