Music can help a person improve their pronunciation and listening skills, which then has the potential to help a person improve their speaking skills. Here are some benefits of using music to learn English as a second language.
Music Can Lead to Improved Pronunciation
One of the hardest things about learning a new language, especially English, is mastering pronunciation. Using songs to learn English can help train a person to speak the language with the proper accent.
The nice thing about songs is that they are catchy. A catchy song is repeated time and time again. If you take music with you and listen to it regularly, such as by using headphones while walking to school, you will gradually begin to repeat and remember the patterns you hear. The learning process becomes instinctive.
Songs Can Improve Grammar and Sentence Structure
It can be difficult to learn or understand English if what you are hearing is not in context. Most songs have a general theme that contextualize the lyrics being sung. This offers a context to learn vocabulary.
The more you hear the lyrics, the better your vocabulary becomes. Comprehension improves with time because you will not only sing the song, but if the song is popular, you will probably discuss it with others. Songs in English benefit from a simple structure. They use conversational language, so it’s easy to understand them. Not only can you understand the grammar in a song, but it’s easy to remember.
It’s Fun Listening to Music
Learning a language can feel boring. It can feel repetitive. Music boosts motivation to learn. Music touches the heart, and emotion is a key part of learning a language.
Music allows you to learn without focusing on learning. If you have a favorite song, you will play it over and over in the background. Without knowing it, you are learning unfamiliar words. If the song has been translated to multiple languages, you could listen to the translations back to back.
Music Is Linked to Memory
When you listen to a song, you are instantly transported to the previous times you heard the song. Music stimulates both sides of the brain. Because of this, it makes learning English and other topics easier.
Using music to learn a language is most effective if you not only listen but also sing-along. You might not know how to correctly pronounce all the lyrics at first, but find a lyric sheet and read along. You will soon watch your vocabulary grow, your pronunciation improve, and your English confidence strengthen.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico.