A study investigated the relationship between native language (NL) listening skills and foreign language (FL) learning. Research questions addressed: (1) whether a relationship exists between NL listening ability and overall FL proficiency, between NL listening ability and FL listening comprehension skills, and between NL listening ability and FL oral proficiency; (2) which linear combination of NL listening skills correlates most highly with FL listening comprehension skills, oral proficiency, and overall FL proficiency; (3) which linear combination of independent variables (Watson-Barker test overall score, sex, length of previous language exposure, the language exposed to, and last contact with that language) best predicts overall FL proficiency; and (4) how each individual variable contributes to the predictability of FL proficiency. Subjects were students enrolled in an intensive college summer language program in French and Spanish. Results suggest a positive relationship between listening ability and overall FL ability, FL listening comprehension skills, and FL oral skills. When listening was examined as a set of skills, the portions of variance in FL learning that can be explained by listening ability range from 11 to 38 percent. NL listening ability appears to be a previously unidentified factor contributing to the second language learning process. (MSE)