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The present study was conducted to investigate the role of listening in the acquisition of a second language. The basic principle of natural language learning, which is most closely associated with Krashen’s monitor model, is the distinction he has drawn between acquisition and learning. Acquisition is considered to be implicit, subconscious and follows a fairly stable order of acquisition of structure. Learning, however, is explicit, conscious and does not contribute directly to acquisition of language and performance. For a second- language learner practice in listening is advocated before production by supporters of this view.
Students participating in this study were two homogeneous groups with similar backgrounds. The instruments used consisted of a written proficiency test and series of taped listening comprehension drills. An experimental design was used and the students were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The data were analyzed using a test which indicated that the difference among the mean scores on the tests was not significant. This could be due to various factors which have to be carefully controlled if similar studies are to be carried out.