The Role of Effective Listening Skill in Learning Arabic as a Second Language

Abstract

This research aims to shed light on the importance of effective listening skill in Second Language learning and the role of effective listening elements in acquiring listening skill among students at the Arabic Language Institute for Non-Native Speakers at King Abdulaziz University. It also explores how to develop these skills among second language learners. Eighty-eight learners participated in the evaluation of a ten-item questionnaire designed to measure the impact of effective listening skills on Arabic language learning as a second language. The research found the following results: the significance of selecting authentic and interesting texts for learners, preparation for the texts, responsiveness to learners' needs, and suitability for their proficiency, age and cultural levels. It was found that listening skills can be enhanced and developed through the selection of appropriate teaching methods, original listening materials, attention to audio transcripts, activation of pre-listening activities, and strategies for understanding listening. Teachers should use these methods based on learners' proficiency levels, interests, and learning styles. Integrating a combination of these methods may lead to the creation of a comprehensive, engaging and interesting curriculum for teaching listening skills.