ABSTRACT
In chapter 1, it was pointed out that listening is the receptive counterpart of speaking, in the same way that reading is for writing. In other words, speaking and listening are two sides of the same coin. Writers (e.g. MacCarthy, 1976) have argued whether a learner needs to be able to hear a sound distinction in order to be able to pronounce it. However, listening, as the receptive aspect of the spoken medium, clearly has connections with speech, as its productive aspect. Wise teachers will therefore not divorce the two skills, but use them to complement each other. Indeed, many writers have noted the connection between the two, and emphasized the importance of listening. Within business circles, managers and other leaders are reminded of the importance of listening, a sentiment that dates back at least to the Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope (412-323 BC): ‘We have two ears and one tongue so that we would listen more and talk less.’
