ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a description of the nature of second language (L2) listening that involves various enabling skills, cognitive processes and types of listening. It gives an overview of important developments, trends and traditions in L2 listening research and instruction, focuses on areas such as factors that influence listening comprehension, methods in investigating L2 listening and listening in English for Specific Purposes. The chapter presents an overview of research in the field of L2 listening comprehension, which has seen tremendous growth. English for Academic Purposes listening programmes in general prioritise the development of new skills such as note-taking during lectures, but programmes may also value interactive listening in face-to-face communication. An area of research that has received much attention in recent years is L2 listeners' metacognition: metacognitive knowledge, strategy use and the effects of teaching learners how to use strategies.
