Language is the powerful vehicle of expression. In the process of language learning listening is the first skill.The education of a child begins with listening. Children learn through imitation. When a child hears his mother speaking, he tries to imitate that voice. He could reproduce only a few words in the beginning. These words or a group of words acts as a unit of speech conveying a complete sense. A child segregated from society can“t learn a language. The first lesson to become social animal begins with listening. Language is not inborn :it is an acquired skill. It is a skill that comes through practice. Language teaching should begin orally. The development of competence in listening skill in a language is the most important function of language teaching. When we listen to someone we listen to him with understanding. Hence listening is a purposeful hearing. It helps to develop the qualities of patiencr, tolerance and magnanimity. In due course we learn to speak with stress, intonation, pause and punctuation.We also learn the correct pronunciation.All these things play a very important role in learning a language. If in a declamation contest or debate a student listens to the arguments of his opponent, then he will be able to counter those arguments after understanding them.Only a good listener can be a good speaker. One of the objectives of education is the all round development of the personality of a child. 0ral expression is the best way for the development of personality. Sweet tongue is the best gift for a teacher This brings proficiency in behaviour. We can develop the ability to make use of right words at right place after listening to the powerful speech of a speaker..

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T R Sharma

Chief Editor

Him Academy, Hamirpur ( H P )