2. Learning Language Through Music While there exist many instructional methods with regard to the teaching a foreign language, there perhaps are none more effective than that of music as a means of instructional methodology. Music, first of all, sets a tone and a good atmosphere in the classroom. It creates an environment that is very much conducive to learning. This atmosphere, created by music can enhance the ability of students to easily remember vocabulary words; therefore, shortening the study time for the student (Lozanov, 2001).
3. Learning Language Through Music Another benefit is, that by listening to the music, students are better able to make connections to the vocabulary and other grammatical concepts in class without having to simply resort to the tediousness of the more traditional methods. Students can stimulate their learning by becoming more familiar with the songs by realizing the relevancy of the song to their own personal lives by identifying with singer(s) and or song by understanding the vocabulary.
4. Learning Language Through Music Some of the problems however is that grammar being learned in the textbooks do not quite match up with the grammar being sung in the song. This could potentially confuse the student; therefore, discretion must be used on behalf of the teacher with regard to the particular songs that are being used in the classroom setting. Be that as it may, students must learn that different types of grammar will be used when it comes to standard and musical text. Basically, students have to learn to deal with language as it comes.
5. Learning Language Through Music If used properly, in addition to traditional methods, music can be a beneficial tool when it comes to the learning of music. The main difference however, students seem to enjoy learning more by listening to the music than without. This would have a direct impact on the motivation of wanting to learn. As for the teacher, it allows him or her, the opportunity to create a learning environment that is enjoyable and more conducive to productive learning, thereby motivating the student learning.
6. Learning Language Through Music Music is a stimulus to our sense of hearing, and as such, does convey information (Dorbian, 1992). Since music is often regarded as the universal language of mankind, it would only follow that as a language itself, it would be beneficial in the teaching of a foreign language. The sounds that we hear when we listen to music, is a stimulus to our hearing, and as such, it will ultimately convey information.
7. Learning Language Through Music When listening to music, it evokes certain emotional states. As such, it enhances the learning process as the student begins to make connections to the learning based on the enhanced emotional state one is feeling. If this mood can be enhanced, then it only follows that the learning will as well be enhanced.
8. Learning Language Through Music Part of this strategy is to aid in the major-learning areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, allowing the student to explore all facets of language learning. It awakens the perception of the musicality, by having the students focus on the rhythm and the learning of the lyrics; therefore, allowing the student to make out of class associations with the music.
9. Learning Language Through Music In reviewing the grammar, the song or songs can be used to introduced new grammar or vocabulary and the like to enhance the concepts rather than relying on the more traditional methods of drilling. For example, a student memorizing the lyrics of a song covering a particular concept or vocabulary would be more apt to learning or mastering the concept rather than simply memorizing through drill. Songs, melodies, that tend to remain in our mind, can contain information that would be easily more accessible than information relied on drilling.
10. Learning Language Through Music While the many methods of the teaching and learning of a language can prove to be a successful tool, it would seem, based on research, that the learning of a language through music can a very important and powerful tool. The mind, susceptible to retaining information for long periods based on musical melody, would seem to be the method most suitable in the acquisition of a language. By stimulating the mind, the soul, and the learning environment, the student is in a more advantageous situation in enhancing and enriching their learning in the most effective and effective way.
