Results of a study show that reading and listening comprehension depend on the same language processing skills and that localized processing skills, not global organizational skills, are a major source of individual differences in language processing. (JM)

Proposes implementing the technique of narrow listening to advance second-language learners' comprehension of casual talk. This activity requires a native-language speaker to digress on tape on a familiar topic of interest to the learner so that the learner can listen to the native speaker both in person and later via the tape as often as he…

Discusses two auditory comprehension studies that investigated the role of focus, as conveyed by a pitch accent, in the comprehension of relative clauses preceded by a complex noun phrase. Findings include focus attracts modifiers, and pitch accents for new phrases differ acoustically from pitch accents for contrastive phrases. (46 references)…

Extends Mayer's (1997, 2001) generative theory of multimedia learning and investigates under what conditions multimedia annotations can support listening comprehension in a second language. Highlights students' views on the effectiveness of multimedia annotations (visual and verbal) in assisting them in their comprehension and acquisition of…

Reports on two studies on input enhancement used to support learners' selection of focus of attention in Spanish second language listening material. Input consisted of video recordings of dialogues between native speakers. Exact repetition and speech rate reduction were examined for effect on comprehension, acquisition of decoding strategies, and…

A study examined the effect of listening practice on the ability of 20 young adults to comprehend natural speech and DECtalk synthesized speech. Response latencies of participants shortened in a similar fashion to sentences presented in both types of speech across a 5-day period, with latencies remaining significantly longer in response to…

The study sought to evaluate open-set word recognition in 54 French, English, and German patients using 5 different kinds of cochlear implants. Three experiments assessed their word recognition in word lists and sentences, environmental sound perception, and gap detection. (Author/JDD)

Four ideas for French language class activities are presented, including: a listening and reading comprehension exercise; the adaption of a traditional French game using facts of French history; an activity based on France's geographic regions and postal codes; and an exercise focusing on facts about French life and culture. (MSE)

Investigates whether self-confidence--expressed both as willingness to communicate and lack of anxiety--is an indicator of overall listening competence. Finds communication confidence and listening comprehension positively related, but notes that students' ability to decipher emotional content tends to be inversely related to their expressed…

Reports two experiments evaluating the effect of map feature content on text recall by subjects of varying reading skill levels. Finds that both experiments support the conjoint retention hypothesis, in which dual-coding of spatial and verbal information and their interaction in memory enhance recall. (MM)

Describes how storytelling can enhance both literal and inferential comprehension, motivate oral discussion, increase perceptual knowledge of metaphor, explain and promote interesting language usage, instill deeper meaning to children's personal experiences, and excite children about literature, storytelling, and creative interpretations of story.…

Children often confuse what is said and what is meant in referential communication. Five- and six-year olds were exposed as listeners or evaluators to a message in which they were either aware or not aware of the referent intended. Found that only six-year olds benefited from instructions to focus on the literal meaning of the message. (BC)

This article argues that a communicative language course must have communicative exams. It explains how to choose and use material to test students' listening comprehension and socio-cultural knowledge. Transcripts of a commercial, a talk show, a film, a TV news show, and a documentary are included accompanied by exercises. (CFM)

Examines whether more attention needs to be paid to listening as a necessary skill in the diagnosing and preparation of foreign language students and whether listening skill is a good predictor of language achievement. (GLR)