Final answer:
The silent stage is the period where learners focus on absorbing language through observation and listening without actively speaking. This foundational stage is critical for understanding the structure and sounds of a new language.
Step-by-step explanation:
The name of the stage where the learner watches and listens in an attempt to absorb the language is known as "The Silent Stage." During this stage, learners are typically observant and focused on understanding the sounds and structure of the new language. They are not yet speaking much, if at all, instead absorbing the language patterns through listening and watching interactions.
This stage is crucial for language acquisition, as it builds the foundation for all the other stages that follow, such as the speaking, reading, and writing stages. By paying close attention to how the language is used by others, learners can start to internalize its rules and vocabulary without the pressure of having to produce language themselves.