Literature review on second and foreign language listening strategy research in the past fifty years: problems and future

Abstract

Listening comprehension is one of the four essential language skills and it plays an important role in language learning and acquisition. However, despite its importance, foreign language learners often regard listening as the most difficult language skill. Against that background, some researchers have suggested that the proper use of listening strategies could effectively improve listening performance. The current research includes a literature review on previous research involving listening strategy research, which may provide some insight for the problems or research gaps that are present in current research. In addition, the suggestion for future development in relation to the aforementioned will also be offered.