Bottom‐Up and Top‐Down Listening

Listening in a second language (L2) presents unique challenges for learners, stemming from the complex interplay of cognitive, linguistic, and contextual factors. This chapter explores the roles of bottom-up and top-down listening skill development in overcoming these difficulties. Bottom-up listening involves decoding linguistic elements such as phonemes, words, and grammar, while top-down listening relies on prior knowledge, context, and inference to derive meaning. By fostering an integrated approach that balances both skills, the chapter equips teachers with actionable methods to enhance students’ listening comprehension in an L2. Ultimately, this dual focus on bottom-up and top-down skills can empower learners to navigate the complexities of L2 listening with greater confidence and proficiency.