Which skill is important for comprehension in a second language?

Metalinguistic awareness is the skill that allows individuals to think about and analyze language as a system. This involves recognizing the structure, meaning, and functions of language, which is crucial for comprehending a second language. Learners with strong metalinguistic awareness are better at understanding the nuances, grammar, and syntax of the new language, facilitating their ability to connect concepts and express ideas effectively.

Additionally, this skill enables learners to transfer knowledge from their first language to the second language, helping them understand similarities and differences between the two. Such awareness not only enhances reading and listening comprehension but also aids in the development of writing and speaking skills in a second language. In contrast, although phonetic decoding, emotional intelligence, and a strong vocabulary are all important for language acquisition, they do not directly engage with the cognitive processes necessary for understanding the underlying rules and structures of a new language to the same extent as metalinguistic awareness.