My Top 7 Tips For Improving Your Listening Skills

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  • Опубліковано 14 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 144

  • @monicaunver1668
    @monicaunver1668 6 років тому +361

    1. Listen to things that you stand a chance of understanding - transcripts are useful
    2. At first listen to repetitious material - ministories where vocab and structures repeat
    3. As soon as possible start listening to INTERESTING material + have transcript
    4. READ a lot, it gives you familiarity with what you listen to
    5. Maintain VARIETY
    6. KEEP listening, don't get discouraged when you see no progress
    7. KEEP reading:)

  • @AldeniseLiraRodrigues
    @AldeniseLiraRodrigues 7 років тому +140

    I've been reading and listening to English on a daily basis since 2009. Currently, I can read English fluently and understand all the podcasts, videos and most films I listen and see. As I'm interested in a wide range of topics, I've got a rich vocabulary. A Canadian lady once told me that she learned some new English words from me :). However, I don't consider myself fluent speaking, and I think this is because I don't have anyone to practice with regularly. Anyway, when I go to the USA, I'm able to communicate and get by, and this makes me very happy.

    • @raimundon.coelhodesouza4944
      @raimundon.coelhodesouza4944 7 років тому +1

      Nossa, que legal! Fico feliz por você.

    • @AldeniseLiraRodrigues
      @AldeniseLiraRodrigues 7 років тому +3

      Thanks! :)

    • @thegoatleo
      @thegoatleo 7 років тому +1

      can you tell us some advices how to improve our english ?

    • @AldeniseLiraRodrigues
      @AldeniseLiraRodrigues 7 років тому +10

      Everyone has their own style of learning. You have to find out what works for you. Besides listening and reading a lot, every day, I've got a blog where I post things that I've been learning, and a Google+ Collection where I share articles and videos about language learning. If you're interested, here are the links:
      My English Notes: learningenglishonmyown.blogspot.com.br/
      Language Learning (Google+ Collection): plus.google.com/u/0/collection/IoE1Z

    • @MrRapha2015
      @MrRapha2015 7 років тому +4

      Aldenise Rodrigues If you are interested, we can practice speaking together. Of course I'm not fluent, I'm in the intermediate/advanced level. I've been studying English for 3 years.

  • @danstobbart4406
    @danstobbart4406 4 роки тому +25

    Tip 5. If possible when listening to radio >> close your eyes ... you'll automatically focus more on the sound. (like blind people have to).
    Tip 6. Watch & listen to vids AND read subitles ALOUD to yourself WITH headphone input over 1 ear only , 2nd ear hears your own voice.
    Tip 7. Use full screen so you don't distract by looking at the next vid list etc.

    • @mcmerry2846
      @mcmerry2846 4 роки тому +2

      Agree, when i close my eyes i feel better understanding of what i am listening to

    • @mcmerry2846
      @mcmerry2846 4 роки тому +1

      I learned like 60 words yesterday :D

    • @Ryosuke1208
      @Ryosuke1208 3 роки тому

      Yes, sometimes when I see a video with a transcript I understand less than when I'm only listening (like in a podcast).

  • @reinaldogondim
    @reinaldogondim 7 років тому +57

    Steve you are a icon of language learning! Congratulations!

  • @MarkBH70
    @MarkBH70 7 років тому +106

    Some great stuff, Steve, sir. I am thrilled that after 5-6 years of studying Portuguese I finally understand videos on UA-cam!!!
    It took 2 years of listening!!! Now I'm going on to my second foreign language: Swahili!!! Very happy!!!

    • @letthelanguagecome6999
      @letthelanguagecome6999 7 років тому +3

      Aquarian Christianity 5 anos para entender videos no youtube?

    • @raimundon.coelhodesouza4944
      @raimundon.coelhodesouza4944 7 років тому +3

      +Aquarian Christianity Que bom que agora você entende. Bom trabalho! O que é curioso é apenas o tempo que você demorou recebendo input.

    • @reinaldogondim
      @reinaldogondim 7 років тому +1

      Aquarian Christianity Parabens pela aquisição do Português! Saudamos-te do Brasil!

    • @MarkBH70
      @MarkBH70 7 років тому +3

      Let the Language Come No. 2 years of listening, 5 and 1/2 years of study total.

    • @MarkBH70
      @MarkBH70 7 років тому +3

      Raymond Sintès Obrigado. Estudei ha' muito anos na universidade, quando mais ou menos, so tinha email.
      Reinaldo Gondim Obrigado! :) Saudo-te dos EU! Vou viajar ao Brasil um dia.

  • @Amanda-qe5lj
    @Amanda-qe5lj 6 років тому +7

    1. transcript
    2. listen a lot
    3. listen a lot to material you like, and also have a transcript
    4. read a lot
    5. variety , also transcript
    6. keep listening
    7. keep reading

  • @KathyakaNina
    @KathyakaNina 3 роки тому +3

    As someone who is a musician this is a great challenge for me as well. Learning to understand a new language by listening is like ear training when hearing a song & figuring out the notes

  • @sbnwnc
    @sbnwnc 4 роки тому +5

    For languages that you can also read, and where the writing is more or less phonetic, try to visualize the spelling as you listen.

  • @JBSpecialMusic
    @JBSpecialMusic Рік тому

    Love your work Steve. Most of it aligns with my mindset for immersion with European Portuguese as a resident from the US. I have a #8 I'd like to add to the mix. Many forms of streaming audio/video media allow us to adjust the playback speed. Listening repeatedly at different speeds helps to better train the subconscious portion of our brain that parses languages. Why drive at speed limits when our speedometer can go twice that high. When listening, let's become the race car driver that has left the track after a long day to saunter home in a 4-door sedan. Fast, normal, slow - lather rinse, repeat.

  • @franmacgillivray1629
    @franmacgillivray1629 6 років тому +1

    As someone with poor hearing ability, this gives me much greater expectation of success. Thank you.

  • @tinacinnamon
    @tinacinnamon 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you. I’ve watched several of your videos and subscribed. I love that you say that language learning is slow and to just keep at it. I don’t find this off-putting at all but rather reassuring. I’m 2 months learning Spanish & on average I put in 2-3 hours a day (broken up over the course of a day - before rising in the morning, a few spare minutes at lunch and in the evenings). I also read a grammar book, beginner/intermediate storybook, watch a tv show with some Spanish in it & listen to Spanish whilst working. Sometimes going to sleep I might listen to simple Spanish stories. I’m trying to be immersive as possible. Ill also try and describe to myself what I’m doing if I think of it. I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress but just when I think I’ve nailed something I get overwhelmed with some new grammar or something else & think that I’ll never get it. I can see why some people consider giving up because it’s a marathon. However this video reassures me to keep going. So thank you! Muchas gracias 🙏

  • @williamgomez4754
    @williamgomez4754 7 років тому +11

    thank you Mr. Steve you are my hero.

  • @brmetrick
    @brmetrick 7 років тому +4

    Great shirt. Great book. Thanks for the videos, you have improved my language learning immensely.

  • @danielhsu7427
    @danielhsu7427 2 роки тому

    It is so natural way to learn a language through listening. But there are still so many people learning languages in unnatural ways, and I used to be one of them.
    At that time, I thought English was just like Math, you know,as long as I did more homework, I could master it,but I was wrong. Indeed, we do not need to try to speak well at the beginning, which is impossible. Because if you want to express an idea clearly, you'd better have heard it, otherwise you really need "target language thinking" to figure out. I'm native in Chinese,English and others language is a key to open the new door about the culture and Science,I'm really thankful to learn a foreign language give me so many new idea and thoughts.

  • @kandyviris
    @kandyviris 3 роки тому

    Now is 2021, you are still in Arabic and just recently made a video in Arabic speaking with your tutor!! Nice progress! Learning languages is always a long path and motivation is what's going to keep you doing it

  • @smellysweetiecat3073
    @smellysweetiecat3073 3 роки тому +1

    Great tips, Mr. Kaufman. I've been learning English on my own and I feel I've improved a lot since I started just by following some of those tips you gave us on this video. I remember when I was enrolled in an English course and I felt I was not so good at speaking or even reading but I could understand almost everything I got at that time, then after dropped out the course I started to finding out for some interesting materials that I liked on the internet by myself and it's been helping me a lot.

  • @agust2694
    @agust2694 3 роки тому

    Steve since i found your channel i"m trying your methods of learning languages , thankyou a lot !

  • @sultan7321
    @sultan7321 4 роки тому +1

    Steve sir your videos helped me a lot to improve my English , I love your learning language approach without grammar , u are great man

  • @Piper-fh2ho
    @Piper-fh2ho 3 місяці тому

    Very encouraging ❤

  • @matteoallegretti1663
    @matteoallegretti1663 4 роки тому

    ...tremendously clear and useful! Thanks Steve!

  • @suewright1299
    @suewright1299 7 років тому +2

    Many thanks Steve! Your vts are such a great help and much appreciated.

  • @letthelanguagecome6999
    @letthelanguagecome6999 7 років тому +23

    Develop your listening skills then fluency will be just a consequence. The idea of understanding before speaking applies quite well.

  • @KyleSfhandyman
    @KyleSfhandyman 7 років тому +5

    The Master and Margarita. Great book!

  • @jackwong9007
    @jackwong9007 6 років тому +2

    Very practical tips, comprehensible and compelling listening mixed with reading is so essential.

  • @Cat-ox2ih
    @Cat-ox2ih 2 роки тому

    Thanks Steve Kaufman.

  • @rodrigosiqueira5437
    @rodrigosiqueira5437 7 років тому

    after a while studing english I understand 90% what you said. Thanks for the tips!!!!!!

  • @soffboffkoff123
    @soffboffkoff123 7 років тому +2

    Thanks for posting and sharing you knowledge, it is greatly appreciated! Tack från Sverige! :)

  • @tysond1495
    @tysond1495 4 роки тому

    Steve, I love that shirt, please tell me where I can get one.
    Arabic is tough. I've been studying it on and off for ten years. In college, and I earned a Fulbright grant to study Arabic in Morocco for one year. Private lessons too. Tutors. Novels. Meetups. The works. You must love the learning process and Arab culture, or don't start pursuing it. It's among the world's most difficult (and wonderful) languages. Make friends who speak the language natively. Subscribe to arab language newspapers and mags. But if you'd rather do French or Spanish, start with those. Arabic is just TOUGH. No way around it.

  • @corinnemarshall1197
    @corinnemarshall1197 4 роки тому

    Great shirt, Steve!!! Bulgakov fan...

  • @iuridepaulasantos2004
    @iuridepaulasantos2004 3 роки тому +1

    3:05 começa

  • @slicksalmon6948
    @slicksalmon6948 2 роки тому +2

    Very valuable, but difficult to implement. Finding listening material that’s 10% above your level of comprehension is nearly impossible.

  • @crush3630
    @crush3630 7 років тому

    I love your videos. Your'e giving me hope. Thanks.

  • @1rsalc
    @1rsalc 6 років тому +5

    Steve, great suggestions. I have taught myself several languages and have done a lot of reading. Last year I discovered LingQ: the Mini Stories in Czech, German, Russian and Greek are great.
    Right now I am focusing on improving my Czech.
    Here is my problem, sir. I feel very comfortable with the Mini Stories in Czech. However, it's very difficult for me to make the Quantum Leap to interesting material out there. There are many travel and history videos available (with transcript) on Česká televize, but I am having trouble keeping up with the fast speech: trouble keeping up while reading along, and it's difficult for me to HEAR word boundaries.
    What would you recommend to get over this apparent obstacle?
    Thanks for reading my comment.

    • @Thelinguist
      @Thelinguist  6 років тому +8

      Just start working your way through this difficult content, looking up every second word but enjoying discovering the content. Just keep going. It may take a few months, but gradually the material will become easier. I wish we had 120 mini-stories, or recorded conversations to help you get there, but at some point you just have to throw yourself into the real stuff that interests you, and LingQ is there to help you,

    • @1rsalc
      @1rsalc 6 років тому

      Steve Kaufmann - lingosteve Thank you kindly for your reply. Today I tried to listen to interesting content in Czech: a short podcast about history, a 10-minute video about historical facts, and a short cartoon. They speak so fast, that I simply hear a blur. Even if I read along and see "7. ledna 1887", I just can't make out "sedmého ledna osmnáctset osemdesát sedm" because it is spoken super fast and mumbled.
      Simply put, the "real" content out there is not comprehensible input. I understand barely 10% of the interesting material --> great frustration for me and 0 enjoyment.
      I think that I'll have to keep cycling through all the Mini Stories. I finished the first 20 (about 12 times each) and am now at level 2. I may start mixing and matching one story from level 1 and one from 2, slowly working my way up to level 3.
      Those recordings are fabulous. They are a joy to listen to!

  • @jamnraq
    @jamnraq 7 років тому +7

    I am currently learning farsi, glad to hear you are now learning Arabic.

    • @jamnraq
      @jamnraq 7 років тому +1

      Btw All your UA-cam videos are so motivational and inspirational with useful tips. What I enjoy about learning farsi is the writing which is Arabic perso script.

    • @loki2504
      @loki2504 7 років тому

      سلام ، چطورى ؟ چرا زبون فارسى ياد مى گيرى ؟ به ايران رفتي ؟

    • @jamnraq
      @jamnraq 7 років тому +1

      loki2504 سلام. تاریخ و سیاست ایران بسیار جالب است. برای سرگرمی

  • @garbygarb31
    @garbygarb31 7 років тому +1

    Hi Steve! I think it would be a great idea since you're starting Arabic, so take us through your process a little. When you decide to begin new language, what's the first thing you do? Maybe get familiar with the alphabet, but then what? I'm beginning Korean, and I'm pretty familiar with the alphabet, and I can read slowly. But where do I go from here?

  • @abdulmohsennalsalman174
    @abdulmohsennalsalman174 7 років тому

    Thanks Mr. Steve for this great video. By the way, you have mentioned before that you might start learning Arabic in one of your videos. I remember commenting on that video saying that I would love to have a chat with you when you start doing so, and you said that would be okay. I hope you still remember that. I am an Arabic native speaker, I speak English, and I am learning Spanish. I hope that I talk to you one day soon!

  • @reef6536
    @reef6536 7 років тому +1

    Thank you Good luck with Arabic

  • @andrewfranco8523
    @andrewfranco8523 6 років тому +2

    I like your channel Steve :)

  • @ThePet1997
    @ThePet1997 7 років тому +2

    Thank you Mr Kaufman, your tips are really helpful. By the way, I would like to ask a question if you don't mind. Does the ' reading ' that you are referring to mean we should read the texts aloud or silently?

  • @vatnikxxi7717
    @vatnikxxi7717 3 роки тому +1

    In short, you have to read and listen tons of various content.

  • @andersonjohn7863
    @andersonjohn7863 6 років тому +6

    I have a trouble with listening skill in movies or tv-series ("True Detective" for example)

    • @smrtfasizmu6161
      @smrtfasizmu6161 5 років тому +3

      Because of noise. At least that's what what makes it hard for me. I can listen to English UA-cam without any problem, I can listen to some films and series without any problem, but there are series and films where either microphone is not near enough, or actors don't speak clearly, or there is too much noise or something else.

    • @sbnwnc
      @sbnwnc 4 роки тому

      Can you watch with the English subtitles on?

  • @astemastem
    @astemastem 5 років тому

    Absolutely correct 👍👍👍👍

  • @jonathanarguedas777
    @jonathanarguedas777 2 роки тому +1

    Hello Steve, I wonder if it is better to listen only to the language I want to learn or to listen to bilingual audios?

  • @AlinefromToulouse
    @AlinefromToulouse 7 років тому +3

    What arabic did you chose to learn ? the modern standard or from one particular area, or both maybe

  • @belajar675
    @belajar675 3 роки тому

    I am try to get your point Sir. Reading and keep listening. Actually, I want learning English (speaking) so that I can share my opinion in English through my UA-cam channel, please your suggestion. Thanks

  • @febrianalestari1851
    @febrianalestari1851 4 роки тому

    Steve, please make a video how to prepare iBT or IELTS. I felt bad about myself since I got a mostly perfect score on my iBT speaking part but not on my listening; while when I took IELTS, my Speaking and Listening skills were on the same band

  • @maryamqadri4828
    @maryamqadri4828 4 роки тому +1

    By transcripts, does Steve mean a translation of what is being listened to? So if I'm listening to something in Arabic like the Quran then I should be looking at the English translation too. Or does he mean look at the words being read in the foreign language, so you listen and read along in the foreign language?

  • @nathanpiazza9644
    @nathanpiazza9644 7 років тому +1

    Hello, Steve. Thanks for your videos. Please add Mongolian to LingQ!!! Thank you lol

  • @martinbrooks4663
    @martinbrooks4663 7 років тому +3

    The importance of listening is understood and also the need to read in order to improve listening. However, i wonder how much value you ascribe to both listening to and reading text at the same time....is this in fact more beneficial in your view than listening on its own? For me its a third method of being involved with the language but do wonder about its overall value.

    • @keegster7167
      @keegster7167 7 років тому +3

      listening without understanding seems pointless to me, so that's why using reading with listening helps, because you can learn. When listening, try to spot each part of the written material. Then, you'll start recognising words even without written material. At least, that's my theory.

  • @kevinortiz342
    @kevinortiz342 6 років тому

    Hello, Steve. Thanks for the video. It's really useful. I have a question. When I'm listening to English, Should I translate from English to my native language to my native language to understand?

  • @benalexender3046
    @benalexender3046 7 років тому

    Thanks from Egypt: )

  • @hendrixigancio2591
    @hendrixigancio2591 7 років тому +15

    Are you going to learn standard Arabic or a certain accent?

  • @ericklaurindo1
    @ericklaurindo1 4 роки тому

    Can you make a video, speaking about subtitles? For Example, when a listen a video like yours, or when the people speak more slow, i can understand more or less 90%, but when i try whatch something that the people speak more fast, I can untdestand only 60% I think. Do you think, if I whatch those videos with subtitles, it would help me, to improve my listenig skill?

  • @agnaldonascimento6054
    @agnaldonascimento6054 5 років тому

    vamo que vamo guys

  • @mcmerry2846
    @mcmerry2846 4 роки тому

    Not many native speakers speak as perfect as Steve.

  • @rogueskypilot4116
    @rogueskypilot4116 3 роки тому

    My 7 tips
    Top for

  • @aidagholampour100
    @aidagholampour100 2 роки тому

    I like your Tishert 🙃

  • @abolfazl7144
    @abolfazl7144 3 роки тому

    hi master if I learn English typing then my English writing will be progress or not

  • @zinakojima6760
    @zinakojima6760 6 років тому +1

    Where to get such a T-shirt?)

    • @Thelinguist
      @Thelinguist  6 років тому +1

      It was given to me but apparently bought in a book store in Victoria BC.

  • @futurez12
    @futurez12 7 років тому +2

    Hi Steve. What about listening when you can understand with the text but the audio is so fast it's almost impossible to follow? Should one just keep listening until it gets better? I've started watching something in my target language on Netflix, I can understand the subtitles very well, but not the audio in real time,, at least not most of it.

    • @ashuu3
      @ashuu3 6 років тому +1

      futurez12 I think audio books would help in this situation as I am learning English, for me audiobooks are very helpful. You could go with videos after listening audiobooks.

  • @MisterM2402
    @MisterM2402 7 років тому +2

    How do you suggest using scripts with audio content? My listening ability in Japanese is much worse than my reading ability, so without a script I find it really difficult understanding spoken dialogue. However, if I *do* have a script, I feel like I'm using it as too much of a crutch - it turns into more of a reading exercise than a listening exercise.

    • @keegster7167
      @keegster7167 7 років тому

      > I feel like I'm using it as too much of a crutch - it turns into more of a reading exercise than a listening exercise.
      Same for me, in Latin.

    • @4chan53
      @4chan53 7 років тому

      King Keegster I refuse to believe there is real audio of somebody actually, truly, genuinely speaking Latin

    • @keegster7167
      @keegster7167 7 років тому

      +4chan Of course it has audio! If any 'dead' language had audio, Latin would be it. It's one of the most documented and famous 'dead' languages. You can find it on youtube, Evan Der Millner, and ThePrinceSterling. You can also probably find someone to skype with in latin, altho I haven't found anyone willing to do that yet.

    • @kevintran8176
      @kevintran8176 6 років тому

      In my opinion, to use a script efficiently is to first listen to the content twice without script to attempt to comprehend what you don’t know and sort of know your gaps. Then I would listen and read at the same time in order to match the words and the sound and meaning. Then I would listen again without reading to guess what I have learned from the combination of listening and reading. Then I would repeat the 2nd process one more time (listen and read, then listen with no script)

  • @koreanfluencyjourney
    @koreanfluencyjourney 6 років тому +1

    Мастер и Маргарита
    Михаил Булгаков

  • @missionnow2
    @missionnow2 6 років тому

    Hi Steve I watched a video about listening that you did but I hate doing listening and I love doing reading cuz i learn much more what should I do? Cuz I want to understand people and speak English that is my goal.

    • @Thelinguist
      @Thelinguist  6 років тому +3

      I prefer reading but I can't read while driving or doing the dishes. Listening brings in a lot more language learning time.

    • @missionnow2
      @missionnow2 6 років тому

      Steve Kaufmann - lingosteve I spend a lot of time reading than doing listening.

  • @benalexender3046
    @benalexender3046 7 років тому

    Advice for you learn Arabic Egyptian dialect ،it's easiest dialect in Arabic language، it's like you suggest American English for someone wants to lean English American.so easy dialect

    • @hamzaaitsilahcen6306
      @hamzaaitsilahcen6306 7 років тому +1

      I don't agree with you. If he learns the Egyptian dialect, he will be limited. He'll understand and communicate only with Egyptians. On the other hand however, if he learns Standard Arabic, he'll be able to communicate everywhere Arabic is spoken since everybody as far as I know speaks and understands Standard Arabic

  • @roflspore
    @roflspore 6 років тому

    I recently took a break from Japanese to try to see how much Spanish I could learn just on lingq. And I've progressed so fast in Spanish reading but.. I feel as though I'm not learning any new vocab when listening and reading to Japanese because of how far off the words are. Am I just running in place by trying to focus on reading and listening while I don't have a large amount of Kanji? Should I wait intil I have the primary kanji and core 2000 or so words down before even trying?

    • @Thelinguist
      @Thelinguist  6 років тому +1

      I would encourage you to learn the Kanji. Vocabulary accumulation is much easier if we can read the Kanji.

  • @yugidragon1
    @yugidragon1 6 років тому

    I am pretty much not of a reader, so I have some trouble in this point. I can actually understand english quite well by listening. I barely read in my native language, so what can I say about English.

    • @Thelinguist
      @Thelinguist  6 років тому +1

      Tough. It is a matter of habit,. Reading is a very useful habit to have and enjoyable.

  • @elleryprescott
    @elleryprescott 7 років тому

    I'm very excited to learn you're going to start with Arabic. I have an interest in Arabic but the writing and reading has scared me off; I'm afraid it won't be doable teaching myself with Lingq. I'll be very curious to see how it goes for you!

    • @Mateo-et3wl
      @Mateo-et3wl 7 років тому +1

      Ellery Hamann those are the easy parts! Be worried about the grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary

  • @rosebarbaro1969
    @rosebarbaro1969 5 років тому

    The Arabic language Is good but not fair to study with you Because I know Arabic well!

  • @jassiman7184
    @jassiman7184 5 років тому

    Sir i think you are ielts teacher 🍻

  • @nonamed56
    @nonamed56 6 років тому

    but I don't understand adaba

  • @littlemissrachyl
    @littlemissrachyl 5 років тому +1

    "My 7 tips top 7 for improving your listening skills"

  • @sagefields5847
    @sagefields5847 4 роки тому

    Listening to those god awful boring mini stories is probably why your attention span is so low that you need to learn 3 languages at once and do the dishes at the same time.