Challenges in Developing Listening Skills in English as a Foreign Language Learning

Abstract

Reading, speaking, listening and writing are generally known as the fundamental abilities of acquiring a second foreign language, with listening being the most important. To communicate, most language learners aim to master one of the four primary language skills and use the language successfully. According to some language learners, Practice and improvement are necessary to master listening, which is one of the hardest abilities. Thus, this study's primary goal was to investigate second language learners' difficulties regarding their listening skills. Therefore, the present study examined listening comprehension problems in a sample of Libyan English learners. Students' perceptions of problems in listening to spoken content were reviewed to improve their oral perception and comprehension skills in the future. A questionnaire on listening comprehension problems was used, and 56 Libyan students provided data. The study results demonstrated that Libyan students had many listening problems. This not only affected their language learning performance but also their overall academic performance. Based on these findings, these recommendations were made to EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners in Libya, foreign language teachers, text designers, and program.