Listening Skills: Do you Hear or Listen?

 

Listening Skills: Do you Hear or Listen?

By- Deepa Singh

Do you ever think Why listening is important?  Why has God gifted us the sense organ to listen? Can’t we live/survive without the sense of listening?

 

For a person there is so much to listen to; which God has gifted us, like water sounds – the babbling of a stream, the crashing of ocean waves, and the patter of raindrops; wind sounds- the rustling leaves, howling winds through grasses, and the breeze in a forest; and the sounds of glaciers creaking, avalanches rumbling, and the resonance of earthquakes. The chirping of birds, the sounds of insects, and animals. Ask yourself, are you listening to these sounds? If yes, then rethink—are you listening or just hearing?

There are so many man-made sounds also. They range from the urban cacophony of traffic, hammering, drilling, aviation noise, fireworks, concerts, and loud music. Imagine sound of a live classroom where the teacher’s voice rises above the students’ chatter, a home alive with overlapping conversations competing for attention, and an office space with the constant chiming of phones and the commanding voice of the boss. These man-made sounds coexist with natural sounds, shaping our auditory environment.

HEARING Vs LISTENING

The question “Are you hearing me?” or “Do you listen to me?” often arises in various settings, such as at home, in the classroom, or at the office. Despite the innate ability to hear, why does the question arise? The answer of this question will amaze you. The marvel lies in our use of this sensory organ; it is not just about detecting sound, but about actively understanding the information. This distinction highlights the difference between simply hearing and active listening. 

Hearing is natural where sound enters and vibrates through the ears. We do not make conscious and only sense of organ is involved.

Example: When you hear background music while shopping without actively paying attention.

Whereas listening starts after hearing a sound. In listening we make conscious efforts; pay attention, analyze and understand the information with the help of mind.

Example: Actively focusing on a lecture or conversation to comprehend the message.

Someone rightly said, “Hearing is through ears, but listening is through the mind.”

 

LSRW is the foundational approach of learning a new language comprising Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. listening is often the initial focus, serving as the cornerstone for mastering a new language. Observe around you, at schools or language institutes, how much emphasis is given on honing this skill. There is no concrete strategy to enhance listening abilities. No one is talking about substantive methods for improvement.

English is a second language in India. Our students at school and youth in colleges or offices are suffering badly in absence of an active and innovative action plan to enhance listening skills.

Some tips to be a smart listener will benefit the readers -

  First be a listener

2.       Respect the speaker & listen to him complete

3.       Maintain eye contact

4.       Be open minded

5.       Ask questions

In a series of blogs different aspects of listening, and an active and innovative action plan of listening skills will be discussed.

Answer the questions above and your opinion in comment box.

 

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