In this first section, we explore the role of comprehension in second language acquisition and the kinds of skill and knowledge that understanding requires.

5.1.1 Listening and Second Language Acquisition

5.1.2 What do we mean by comprehension?

5.1.3 Definitions of aural comprehension

5.1.4 Levels of comprehension

5.1.5 Schema theory

5.1.6 The challenges for L2 listeners

Below is a summary of the theory of listening that will be developed in this section:

• In second language learning, listening comprehension needs to be addressed both as a skill in its own right (learning to listen) and also as a means by which new language is processed and retained (listening to learn).
  
  
• Spoken language is typically different from written language because it usually has to be processed sequentially and in real time by both speakers and listeners. Written language generally provides more clues to the grammatical status of words, e.g. in French, allez, allé, aller, allaient, allait are written differently but to the hearer, they will all sound the same (or very similar). Listening is thus subject to more severe processing constraints than reading.
  
  
• Listening comprehension is a multilayered skill involving bottom-up processes and top-down processes.
  
  
• Successful comprehension relies on an integration of bottom-up and top-down processes.
  
  
• Listening comprehension relies on both knowledge of language and knowledge of the world.