Investigating Listening Comprehension Difficulties Encountered by Sudanese University Students

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating listening comprehension difficulties experienced by EFL Sudanese university students. The study adopted the descriptive analytical method, the researcher collected data by using a diagnostic test for (30) Alneelain University second year students of English Language, in the Faculty of Arts. To analyze the data the researcher has used the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The findings of the study revealed that EFL Sudanese university students encounter some listening comprehension difficulties when they listen to English; they find it difficult to grasp the intended message. Furthermore, when it comes to doing exercises based on listening, they perform be very poorly. In light of the findings of the study, the researcher recommended that university textbooks need to give more attention to listening skills and strategies; in addition teachers should use authentic listening materials that suit the level and the needs of the students. Moreover, teachers need to raise the students' awareness about the importance of listening comprehension in the process of foreign language learning.