How Music Transforms Language Learning
Are you tired of the same old thing?
I am sure you are tired of listening to boring, inauthentic and monotone language conversations that are frequently part and parcel of language learning courses. What would you say if I said there is a better way to boost your language learning with authentic material to listen to? What do you think is the answer? Music! Whenever I start learning a language, music is my go-to for listening. Music is a fast gateway to consolidating your language learning whilst having fun!
Choose the right song and find the lyrics
First, find a song in your target language. Do not just choose a random song you are indifferent to, this in the end will be counterproductive. Make sure you love the song, it has to resonate with you. Once you have done this, find the lyrics (most music streaming providers have the lyrics to most songs; remember to take a look!). If you can find a translation in your native language to use as a reference, even better.
Listen to the song without reading the lyrics (do not peek!)
Listen to your chosen song a few times. Tune into the rhythm. Identify words. Identify sounds. Identify grammar. See how much you already understand. Make a mental note of everything you notice.
Listen to the song and follow the lyrics
Now, listen to your song again and follow the lyrics (you can also enable them on your music streaming platform). Assess how much you understand. Underline words which are new to you. Highlight grammar features you still have not fully grasped.
Take some time to analyse the lyrics
Closely analyse the song's lyrics. Write new words and new grammar points in your language notes or language planner if you have one. You could also research the aspects of the language used in the song that you still have not fully understood. Make sure you can understand the lyrics.
Try to sing along with the lyrics (do not be afraid)!
Now that you have done all the fun technical work, you can move on to the fun practical work. Put the song of your choice on repeat and sing away (it does not matter if you do not have a nice voice)! Use the lyrics, internalise the sounds and practice your pronunciation and intonation. Do this as many times as you wish.
Hide the lyrics and sing, sing and sing!
I am sure that after a few listens, especially if you love the song, you will have started to memorise the lyrics. At this stage, you no longer need to read the lyrics. Put them away! The words are already in your head!
What is the purpose of all this?
Unfortunately, language learning is still solely associated with learning methods that may cause people to steer away from the wonders of learning a new language. Language learning does not just involve books. Language learning is not memorising conversations or words in parrot form. Learning a language does not require you to dive into dictionaries or grammar books for hours on end. Learning languages out of context and in a rote fashion frequently means that you will retain less. This ultimately means you will not be using your precious time neither efficiently or effectively.
Does listening to music have any other interesting benefits?
Music does not only teach you words (including many synonyms for love) and grammar (from present to subjunctive). Nor does it just enhance your pronunciation! Music is also an excellent source of many other interesting benefits which go hand in hand with language learning which many of us might overlook. By listening to music, you will get a first-hand insight into many of the cultural nuances of your target language. Music can represent and symbolise social developments, cultural turning points, and important historical moments. Songs describe everyday life and express specific emotions through the cultural lens of the target language; a treasure trove of information which will most certainly benefit you in your language-learning journey.
Happy listening!
On this note, all this learning will undoubtedly become a fundamental catalyst for you to continue diving into the language-learning rabbit hole and keep you motivated in your linguistic adventure. Take all the information in this article and take your language-learning skills to the next level. It is essential to make learning languages enjoyable and productive to savour the wonders all languages hide underneath their words. Enjoy your music and train your brain. Remember, knowledge is our most valuable resource and language is what we use to share it with the world! Music is always a great investment when it comes to language learning!