The Dialogue Approach
Dialogue and the Four Language Learning Thresholds

The Listening Threshold

Another possible area of concern for the learner is the level at which he understands messages transmitted in the target language. The human ear and level of consciousness is, on a physiological level, the same all over the world. Unfortunately, adults don’t all hear the same sounds, because the native language puts auditory filters in the way. The French “u” sound (y) sounds to an American ear as an “ou” (u). The ear cannot tell the difference between an open French “e” and a closed French “e,” etc.

Non-comprehension or partial comprehension of what the other person is saying is one of the major obstacles to communication. And insofar as the voice cannot form what the ear cannot hear, it is necessary to break through the listening barrier to be understood and (a point often lost) to be able to continue with the language but without the teacher. What strategy must be used to give the learner a “ear,” to allow him to understand native speakers and be understood by them?