
Go Natural English Podcast | Listening & Speaking Lessons Why You Understand English When You Read But Not When People Speak
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Jan 10, 2026 Why do you understand written English but struggle with spoken conversation? Discover the gap between reading and listening skills, and how spoken words don't always match their written forms. Learn why focusing on phrases rather than individual words can enhance comprehension. Gabby emphasizes practical strategies like immersive listening and practicing common reductions. Daily short listening sessions and tracking your progress effectively are key to mastering real-life conversations. Tune in to reshape your listening skills with engaging real speech examples.
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Reading vs Listening Are Different Skills
- Reading and listening are different passive skills that use different cues and patterns.
- Gabby says learners link words to spelling, not real spoken sounds, which blocks comprehension.
Trust Sounds More Than Spelling
- Stop trusting spelling and learn sound patterns like gonna and wanna instead of written forms.
- Ask "what sound pattern was that?" when you don't recognize a word in speech.
Spanish Learning Example In Dominican Republic
- Gabby recounts learning Spanish in the Dominican Republic and noticing dropped S endings.
- Recognizing that pattern helped her stop expecting terminal sounds and improved comprehension.
