Freeflow listening is listening to target-language audio without any text support, tools, or pausing. You just listen and try to understand as much as you can naturally.
-> See recommended Freeflow listening tools and more info
How It Differs from Intensive Listening
In intensive listening, you pause, relisten, and check subtitles. In freeflow listening, you let the audio play continuously and accept whatever you understand. Intensive builds understanding; freeflow builds speed and automaticity.
What Counts
- Watching TV or movies without subtitles
- Listening to podcasts
- Listening to audiobooks
- Watching YouTube videos without subtitles
- Overhearing conversations (if you live in a TL-speaking area)
- Crosstalk is also technically a form of freeflow listening!
Tips
- Your comprehension will be lower than with text support. That's the point — you're training your brain to work without the crutch.
- Start with familiar content (things you've already watched with subtitles) so your prior knowledge fills in gaps.
- As your level improves, shift to unfamiliar content.
- If you understand almost nothing, the content is too hard for freeflow. Use easier material or do more intensive listening first.
- Background listening (audio on while you do something else) has limited value. Try to stay at least half focused.
-> More about Half-attention Listening
When to Start
Freeflow listening is introduced in Phase 3A and grows throughout Phases 3-7. By Phase 6-7, the majority of your listening should be freeflow.
