An overview of listening comprehension

Abstract

Introduction Listening comprehension is a process, a very complex process, and if we want to measure it, we must first understand how that process works. An understanding of what we are trying to measure is the starting point for test construction. The thing we are trying to measure is called a construct , and our test will be useful and valid only if it measures the right construct. Thus, the first task of the test developer is to understand the construct, and then, secondly, to make a test that somehow measures that construct. This is construct validity , and ensuring that the right construct is being measured is the central issue in all assessment. The purpose of this book is to look at the listening process, and to consider how that should be measured. In this chapter, I will begin by examining the listening process, and how language is used to convey meaning. Much of this relates to reading as well as listening. Then, in Chapter 2, I will discuss what is unique to listening comprehension. Different types of knowledge used in listening If we consider how the language comprehension system works, it is obvious that a number of different types of knowledge are involved: both linguistic knowledge and non-linguistic knowledge. Linguistic knowledge is of different types, but among the most important are phonology, lexis, syntax, semantics and discourse structure.