The Key to Improved Listening Comprehension

Summary

Steve Kaufmann emphasizes the importance of listening comprehension in language learning, sharing personal experiences from Russia and Palm Springs. He suggests that understanding requires context and repeated exposure to various accents and situations. Kaufmann advises learners not to criticize themselves for not understanding immediately but to use those experiences to improve. He encourages confidence and continuous exposure to different language contexts to enhance listening skills.

Takeaways

• 🎧 Listening comprehension is the fundamental goal for language learners according to Steve Kaufmann.
• 📚 Reading is a way to increase vocabulary, which later helps in understanding spoken words.
• 🌍 Steve emphasizes that listening comprehension is where most of his language learning time is spent.
• 🎬 Watching movies, listening to podcasts, and engaging in conversations are ways to improve listening skills.
• 🇷🇺 Steve's experience in Russia shows the importance of context in understanding language in practical situations.
• 🌾 The 'Pago' story illustrates the challenge of understanding unfamiliar words or phrases in a new context.
• 🤔 Anticipation of what is being said is crucial for comprehension, which improves with repeated exposure to similar situations.
• 🔄 When faced with comprehension difficulties, don't criticize yourself; instead, use it as a learning opportunity.
• 📺 Exposing oneself to different accents, situations, and contexts is key to improving listening comprehension.
• 🗣️ Making mistakes and not understanding in certain situations is a part of the learning process.
• 💪 Building confidence in language learning involves not being overly concerned about situations where understanding is lost, and continuing to engage.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Steve Kaufmann's discussion in the script?

The main focus of Steve Kaufmann's discussion is on improving listening comprehension based on his personal experience.

Why does Steve Kaufmann consider listening comprehension as the fundamental goal in language learning?

Steve Kaufmann considers listening comprehension as the fundamental goal because understanding what people are saying is the foundation for holding up one's end of a conversation.

What role does reading play in improving listening comprehension according to Steve Kaufmann?

Reading plays a role in improving listening comprehension by increasing one's vocabulary, which later helps in recognizing and understanding words when they are heard.

What was Steve Kaufmann's experience when trying to buy a train ticket in St. Petersburg, Russia?

Steve Kaufmann had difficulty understanding the lady at the counter when trying to buy a train ticket in St. Petersburg. He had to ask her to repeat what she said before he could understand and proceed with the purchase.

What was the significance of the story about the Mexican gardener in Palm Springs?

The story about the Mexican gardener in Palm Springs highlights the importance of context and experience in understanding language, as Steve initially misunderstood the word 'pago' (payment) as 'pow'.

Why is it important to anticipate what is coming in a conversation according to Steve Kaufmann?

It is important to anticipate what is coming in a conversation because it helps in understanding the context and makes it easier to comprehend what is being said, especially in new or unfamiliar situations.

How does Steve Kaufmann suggest dealing with situations where you don't understand something in a conversation?

Steve Kaufmann suggests not to criticize or blame oneself, but to ask the speaker to repeat or clarify, and to use the experience to improve understanding in similar situations in the future.

What is the advice Steve Kaufmann gives for improving listening comprehension?

Steve Kaufmann advises to expose oneself to as many different accents, situations, and contexts as possible, and to recognize that there will always be situations where some vocabulary will be challenging to understand.

Why is it beneficial to watch series on Netflix for language learning according to the script?

Watching series on Netflix is beneficial for language learning because it exposes learners to different environments and contexts, helping them become familiar with various ways people communicate.

What is the importance of confidence in progressing in language learning as mentioned by Steve Kaufmann?

Confidence is important in progressing in language learning because it allows learners to not become overly concerned about situations where they didn't understand, and to keep going despite the challenges.

What does Steve Kaufmann suggest as a way to improve understanding in specific contexts?

Steve Kaufmann suggests that by exposing oneself to speaking situations, not being afraid to make mistakes or not understand, and revisiting the context, one can improve understanding in that specific context over time.

Outlines

00:00

🎧 The Importance of Listening Comprehension

Steve Kaufmann emphasizes the significance of listening comprehension in language learning, sharing his personal experiences and strategies. He suggests that understanding spoken language is the fundamental goal and that spending time listening is crucial. Kaufmann also highlights the importance of vocabulary for comprehension and shares two anecdotes from his experiences in Russia and with a Mexican gardener to illustrate the challenges of understanding in new contexts. He advises not to criticize oneself for not understanding and to use such situations as learning opportunities to improve.

05:01

🌐 Exposing Yourself to Diverse Language Contexts

In the second paragraph, Kaufmann discusses the importance of exposing oneself to a variety of accents, situations, and contexts to enhance listening comprehension. He acknowledges that even with a good grasp of the language, there will be moments of confusion, especially in unfamiliar situations. Kaufmann encourages learners not to be afraid of making mistakes or not understanding, but to view these as opportunities for growth. He also stresses the importance of confidence in language learning and suggests revisiting challenging contexts to improve understanding over time.

Keywords

💡Listening Comprehension

Listening comprehension refers to the ability to understand spoken language in real-time. In the video's context, it is the core activity for language acquisition, as it involves understanding conversations, podcasts, movies, and other forms of spoken communication. The speaker emphasizes its importance by stating that it is where 'the action is' and is fundamental for holding up one's end of a conversation.

💡Fundamental Goal

A fundamental goal is the primary objective or the most basic aim of an endeavor. In the video, Steve Kaufmann identifies listening comprehension as the fundamental goal of language learning, suggesting that it is the essential skill that underpins all other language abilities.

💡Vocabulary

Vocabulary encompasses the set of words that a person knows and can use in speech and writing. In the script, Kaufmann mentions reading as a way to increase one's vocabulary, which subsequently aids in listening comprehension when encountering those words in spoken language.

💡Context

Context is the situation or setting in which something occurs, which can greatly influence understanding. The video discusses the importance of context in listening comprehension, illustrating how previous experiences in similar situations can help in anticipating and understanding what is being said, as seen in the train ticket buying scenario in St. Petersburg.

💡Accents

Accents refer to distinct ways of pronunciation associated with a particular geographic region or social group. Kaufmann points out the diversity in accents and the importance of being exposed to different accents to improve listening comprehension, as each accent may pronounce words in unique ways.

💡Anticipate

To anticipate means to expect or predict what is likely to happen or what someone is likely to say. In the video, anticipating is highlighted as a key aspect of understanding spoken language, as it allows the listener to prepare for the information they are about to receive, making comprehension easier.

💡Experience

Experience is the knowledge or skill acquired by a period of practical experience of something. The speaker uses his own experiences in Russia and with the Mexican gardener to illustrate how repeated exposure to a language in various contexts enhances the ability to understand it.

💡Mistakes

Mistakes are errors or inaccuracies. The video encourages learners not to fear making mistakes, emphasizing that they are a natural part of the learning process and can lead to better understanding in the future.

💡Confidence

Confidence is a feeling or belief in one's abilities or qualities. Kaufmann talks about the importance of having confidence in language learning, suggesting that not being overly concerned about situations where one does not understand can help maintain motivation and progress.

💡Exposure

Exposure refers to the state of being exposed to something, especially as a way of learning or becoming familiar with it. The script recommends exposing oneself to various accents, situations, and contexts to improve listening comprehension, as this helps in becoming familiar with different ways of speaking and using language.

💡Repetition

Repetition is the act of repeating something. In the video, Kaufmann shares his personal experiences where asking for repetition helped him understand the context better, indicating that repetition can be a powerful tool in language learning and comprehension.

Highlights

Listening comprehension is the fundamental goal and activity for understanding what people are saying.

Improving listening comprehension enables you to eventually hold up your end of a conversation.

The speaker spends most of his time on listening comprehension as it is where the action is.

Reading can increase vocabulary, which later helps in understanding words when heard.

The speaker's experience in St. Petersburg, Russia, highlights the importance of practical language usage.

Understanding context is crucial for effective listening comprehension.

Experiencing a situation before helps in anticipating and understanding it when encountered again.

Different accents and pronunciations within a language can make understanding difficult without prior exposure.

When you don't understand, don't criticize yourself; use it as an opportunity to learn for next time.

Exposure to various listening situations through activities like watching Netflix helps in understanding different contexts.

Becoming familiar with a particular context over time improves understanding in that situation.

People may struggle with understanding in specific situations despite having a good comprehension level.

Asking someone to repeat helps in understanding and learning for future encounters.

Exposing oneself to different accents, situations, and contexts is key to improving listening comprehension.

Even basic vocabulary can be challenging in new contexts, which is normal and part of improving listening skills.

Having confidence and not being overly concerned about not understanding in certain situations is important for language progression.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of not being afraid to make mistakes and to keep practicing despite misunderstandings.

The speaker concludes by encouraging exposure to speaking situations and maintaining a sense of confidence in language learning.

Transcripts

Hi there, Steve Kaufmann here and today I want to talk about

listening comprehension, how to improve our listening comprehension,

uh, based on my experience.

Uh, remember that that listening comprehension, at least for me

is, is the fundamental goal, the fundamental activity.

You wanna understand what people are saying.

If you can understand movies, if you can understand podcasts, if you can

understand, you know, conversations, the other end of the conversation, you

can eventually get to where you can hold up your end of the conversation.

Uh, I spend up most of my time listening.

Listening comprehension is, is where the action is in my opinion.

Of course.

I mentioned reading as a way to increase your vocabulary so that later on

when you hear these words, you might have a chance to understand them.

But listening comprehension is where I spend most of my time.

But before I get into more detail, I want to tell you two stories.

So first of all, Uh, the first takes place in St.

Petersburg, Russia.

I had been studying Russian for four years, I guess, off and on.

I listened to audio books, Russian literature.

I listened to political discussions from a radio station.

I understood a lot of Russian, and I'm in St.

Petersburg.

I want to buy a train ticket to go to Vyborg, which is just north of, of St.

Petersburg on the electric train.

And so I'm waiting in line and, uh, finally it's my turn to tell the

lady there behind the counter what I wanted and, uh, a certain amount

of trepidation here, you know, using the language in not to listen to

political discussion, but to use it in a very practical, specific situation.

And I said, I would like to buy a ticket to go to Vyborg.

And she comes back at me with something and I didn't understand

what she said and I had to repeat and, and ask her to repeat.

And finally, whatever she said, I can't remember.

Uh, I got the picture and I paid her and I got my ticket.

So that's one situation.

Uh, another situation I was talking to, we have a Mexican

gardener here in Palm Springs.

And, uh, we were talking about different things and all of a

sudden he said, uh, I said, what?

"Pow", "pow", what's "pow"?

And finally, I figured out it was pago.

It had to do with his payment.

Somehow his bank transfers weren't going through.

What's the significance of these two little stories?

I have found time and time again that in order to understand a part.

Um, context, you kind of have to have experienced it before.

So you have to be able to anticipate what is coming at you.

And if you have not had that particular situation before,

it will be more difficult.

So the second time, or the third time that I go to buy a train ticket

in Russia, it'll be easier for me 'cause I've already experienced it.

I can anticipate what the person's going to say.

Uh, similarly with, with this Mexican gardener, if I knew kind of roughly the

context of what he was talking about, I might have been able to connect

the fact that Pago to him was almost "pow", or at least I heard it as "pow".

And this is important because there's so many different accents,

even within a particular accent.

People have different ways of pronouncing things.

It's very important to therefore be able to anticipate.

And what that means is when you don't understand, don't criticize yourself.

Don't blame yourself.

The fact that you're in a situation where you don't understand is a good

thing because you have now time to think about that, and so next time

around you probably will do better.

I mean, you can do things just by dent of doing a lot of listening.

You are exposing yourself to more different situations.

Even if you're, you know, watching a series on Netflix, uh, you're sort of

involved now in a, in an environment.

It might be a family, it might be, gosh knows whatever is happening

and as you spend more and more time in that situation, you're gradually

going to understand more because you're becoming familiar with, with

what people say to each other within that particular context that you

have been sort of catapulted into.

So I, I only wanna make this point because I, I think people sometimes get very

upset if, if they feel they have a good level of comprehension and then they're

put in a very specific situation and they have trouble understanding what is said.

No harm done.

You ask the person to repeat as I did with a Mexican gardener or

with a, I shouldn't say Mexican.

He's a, he's an American, but he doesn't speak English here in Palm Springs.

Uh, or with the, uh, the lady selling the train ticket in St.

Petersburg, I just ask again.

And, uh, so, you know, my advice, uh, uh, in terms of listening

comprehension is, you know, expose yourself to as many different accents.

As many different situations, as many different contexts as possible.

And recognize that there will always be situations where even some of the

most basic bits of vocabulary will pass you by things that you think

you should be able to understand.

You won't understand them.

And that's just part of improving your listening comprehension.

And uh, and that's why I should say by the way, that exposing yourself

to, you know, speaking situations, not being afraid to make mistakes,

not being afraid to not understand.

Having one situation where you didn't understand and you go back in there again.

And the third time you will understand that particular context.

And there are so many other contexts that you need to, you know, expose yourself to.

Uh, so a big part of language, you know, in progressing in our languages is having

a sense of confidence, and that means not becoming overly concerned about

situations where you didn't understand.

Just keep going.

So I have talked before about listening comprehension, and I'll leave you with

a couple of videos on the subject.

I hope this is helpful.

Bye for now.