Many students want to improve their listening skills by listening to music, but while music is wonderful, and who doesn't love music?, it isn't the best way to do so.
Music, like poetry, does not always represent how we actually speak. I advise my students to listen to podcasts if they want to improve their listening skills.
Podcasts are a great way to improve your listening skills while also learning something new. Podcasts can help you expand your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation.
Furthermore, they will aid in the development of communication skills. The more you listen to English (or whatever language you're learning), the more your brain wants to imitate what you're hearing. It's a scientific fact. That is how our brains are wired.
Real People, Real Language
Podcasts feature real people discussing real issues. Because it is an unscripted language, it is an excellent way to practice listening. It is how people use the language in everyday situations, complete with slang, idioms, and fillers. It's as if you're listening in on someone else's conversation. You will gain new vocabulary, speaking styles, and knowledge.
While some slang may be difficult to understand, most podcasts include a transcript. This transcript can be used in a variety of ways to create a more in-depth learning experience. Depending on your skill level, you can read the transcript first to get a sense of the topic, then listen to the podcast, and then reread the transcript.
Improving English Pronunciation skills with Podcasts
The first time we listen to something we listen to meaning. To listen to the pronunciation of the speaker – so aspects such as word stress, vowel sounds, linking etc it helps to listen to the same podcast 2 or 3 times. Each time you listen you will get better at hearing pronunciation elements such as these.
Let’s look at the most important area of pronunciation. The area that most learners find really challenging. That is the stress and rhythm of English.
Increase vocabulary and improve grammar
Podcasts expose language learners to a wide range of topics, stories, and situations.
According to research, incidental exposure to academic vocabulary through story listening helps students learn the meaning of unknown words.
It not only helps you listen and thus speak, but it also helps you expand your vocabulary. That is how our brains are wired. Your level as a language learner is usually determined by the progression of your words.
As you learn more words, your fluency level improves. While grammar is useful, vocabulary is always the most important factor. Knowing more words will boost your confidence when speaking with locals.
Variety of podcasts
With so many language resources available, podcasts are an excellent study tool for any language enthusiast. This will allow you to improve your fluency. You have variety of podcasts to choose ranging from entertainment to educational to social to politics related.
You can listen any one or more than one or as many as you like to enhance your language skills.
How to Pay Attention
Podcasts are available for free on a variety of platforms. They vary in length, which is convenient because you don't have to devote a large amount of time to them. You can listen to something as short as five to ten minutes or as long as you have time.
Along with reading, one of the passive skills is listening. You are not required to produce anything. This is referred to as input when discussing second language acquisition. In contrast, output refers to communication and writing abilities. It is essential to have a lot of input when learning a new language. The more input you can process and comprehend, the more output you can eventually generate.
CONCLUSION
You can start with simple and With so many language resources available, podcasts are an excellent study tool for any language enthusiast. This will allow you to improve your fluency.
So why not?
It is simple to use, free, and beneficial for difficult listening, reading, and even vocabulary. It also includes a wide variety of topics of interest and curiosity for those who can't get enough languages in their daily lives.
It is an excellent method for improving your listening skills. It also provides the opportunity to learn something new. Podcasts can also help you improve your word power and pronunciation.
If you're convinced, you're ready to listen to the best language learning podcasts for your level and topics. While some podcasts may be difficult to understand.
short ones that are easier to grasp. Then finally, you can move ahead with more difficult and relevant ones as you progress.