How do I fix my severe listening deficiency?
I understand grammar used in sentences I read, have a pretty good stash of vocab (a couple thousand, maybe even three plus grasped words, and a thousand plus not really firmly rooted in my head yet), so my reading is pretty good. However I don't speak or communicate in the language, and neglected my listening, which is starting to change now that I realize how lacking I am there.

So when I listen, I just feel a bombardment of syllables that I can't make out in time, which makes me lose focus on the new info coming in. As a measuring stick, I can understand 40%~ of stuff in TTMIK iyagis 1-8, and can recognize the beginnings of some sentences in dramas with English subtitles, too long and I zone out of focus.

So my question is, is it because I don't communicate in the language that's causing me to not be able to understand and anticipate the flow of conversation? Does speaking help listening, or the other way round? Is the solution to this truly only through listening and listening?

Question

How do I fix my severe listening deficiency?
I understand grammar used in sentences I read, have a pretty good stash of vocab (a couple thousand, maybe even three plus grasped words, and a thousand plus not really firmly rooted in my head yet), so my reading is pretty good. However I don't speak or communicate in the language, and neglected my listening, which is starting to change now that I realize how lacking I am there.

So when I listen, I just feel a bombardment of syllables that I can't make out in time, which makes me lose focus on the new info coming in. As a measuring stick, I can understand 40%~ of stuff in TTMIK iyagis 1-8, and can recognize the beginnings of some sentences in dramas with English subtitles, too long and I zone out of focus.

So my question is, is it because I don't communicate in the language that's causing me to not be able to understand and anticipate the flow of conversation? Does speaking help listening, or the other way round? Is the solution to this truly only through listening and listening?

Answer

In short yes, I would recommend talking more with people. That way you simultaneous practice listening and speaking and if you don't understand something you can ask that person to repeat it.  Here is a link you could check out: http://www.hackingchinese.com/listen-before-you-read-improve-your-listening-ability/. It's geared towards people who are learning Chinese but I feel like it can apply to English as well. Good luck :)

Answer

The dictation looks like the best solution out there, cuz my little sister had a lot of grammar problems in French (our native language) but after doing a LOT of dictation she became better, so this applies also to Korean, and I have the same problem as you so I will start doing it also. Korean-native speakers speak so fast so I understand you, it's really hard. Good luck to both of us!

Answer

here is what seems to work for me at the beginning.  Do a lot of dictation.  Pick anything anywhere and listen to it and write down what you hear.  Give it to a native speaker and ask for same.  Compare notes.  Study how the sounds match up.  Do it over a long period of time.  I think your hearing will improve but only if you become familiar with the sound units and their combined effects

Answer

If you can speak them correctly, you can listen to them correctly. Cheers!!! :)

Answers · 4

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