24 knowledge. From the discussion above the writer will say listening is meaning
based. When we listen, we are normally doing so for a purpose Hegelsen, 2001.
c. Listening Functions
Besides recognizing the difference between Bottom Up and Top Down processing, there are two listening function which need to be discussed. Brown
and Yule 1983a as cited in Morley 2001 suggest dividing language functions into two major divisions: language for transactional purposes and language for
interactional purposes. They note that transactional language corresponds to Halliday’s notion of ideational, while interactional language corresponds to his
term interpersonal Halliday 1970, p. 143. Transactional language is message oriented and can be viewed as
“business-type” talk with the focus on content and conveying factual or propositional information. Transactional language is used for giving instructions,
explaining, describing, giving directions, ordering, inquiring, requesting, relating, checking on the correctness of details, and verifying understanding. The premium
is on message clarity and precision. Interactional language is person oriented social-type. Its objective is the
establishment and maintenance of cordial social relationships. Brown and Yule comment that great deal of casual information contains phrases or echoes of
phrases which appear to be intended more as contributions to a conversation than as instances of information giving. Important feature of this type are those of
25 identifying with other person’s concerns, being nice to the other person and
maintaining and respecting face
d. Learner’s Problems
The problems that students have are how to understand the spoken language, the vocabulary. The real problems that students have are they lack of
knowledge in English especially the Vocabulary mastery. This implies the confusion in listening and understanding the listening passage. Students spend
more time in understanding several difficult words then they do not pay attention to the forthcoming words. This situation makes them confused to get the meaning
of the whole listening passage. Students are also very passive. It is difficult to make them active
participating in the class especially classroom discussion. Through Cooperative Learning, each member will support the rest of the group so that all the members
master and active in the classroom.
e. Teaching Listening
