Author : Bavya. S
Education : M.A.,English, M.A.Tamil, Ph.D Research scholar (English)
Profession : Content writer
Date: 10-12-2023
Learn English with Songs a Musical Language Journey
Music stands out as a vibrant yet often overlooked ally(friend) in the pursuit of English proficiency. Songs have different sounds and words, making it a fun way to get better at understanding English. In this blog, read on to know about various strategies and examples, showing how to Learn English with Songs.
Diverse Genres, Diverse Learning
The world of music is a mosaic of genres, each presenting a distinctive linguistic experience. You can immerse yourself in a range of styles, from folk and blues to rap and pop. This exposure will not only sharpen your listening skills but also introduce you to different accents, speeds, and vocabulary.
Example: Compare the lyrical complexity of Bob Dylan’s folk classic “Blowin’ in the Wind” with the rhythmic intensity of Eminem’s rapid verses in “Lose Yourself.”
Lyrics as a Literary Playground
Lyrics are more than just song accompaniments; they are poetic expressions that encapsulate rich vocabulary and nuanced meanings. Print out the lyrics of your favourite songs and engage in active listening, identifying new words and expressions.
Example: Dissect the emotional vocabulary and expressions in Adele’s “Someone Like You” to gain insights into the power of language in conveying sentiments.
Karaoke for English Mastery
Karaoke is the beloved social activity of singing along to your favourite tunes. It combines the auditory benefits of listening to music and also the active engagement of pronunciation and intonation. Singing along to English songs allows you to practice enunciation, rhythm, and expression in a fun and dynamic way.
Example: Belt out the lyrics of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” or challenge yourself with the rapid verses of Busta Rhymes in “Look At Me Now” to hone your pronunciation and rhythm.
Repetition and Imitation Techniques
Repeat your chosen songs multiple times, each time focusing on a different aspect each time – pronunciation, rhythm, or intonation. Imitating the singer’s pronunciation and style can significantly enhance your spoken English.
Example: Channel your inner crooner and mimic the smooth delivery and pronunciation of Frank Sinatra in “Fly Me to the Moon.”
Harnessing Technology
Leverage technology to make your music-learning experience interactive and engaging. Platforms like LyricsTraining provide a gamified approach, offering exercises where you fill in missing lyrics as you listen, reinforcing vocabulary and improving listening accuracy.
Example: Challenge yourself with a lyrics completion exercise for Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” on LyricsTraining, honing your skills in a dynamic and enjoyable way.
Podcasts and Interviews
Expand your exposure by listening to interviews and podcasts featuring your favourite artists. This provides a unique opportunity to absorb natural conversational English, diverse accents, and colloquial expressions used by native speakers.
Example: Tune in to podcasts like “Song Exploder,” where artists dissect their songs, providing valuable insights into the creative process and enriching your understanding of the English language.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Learn English with Songs.
- Choose a song in English that you like.
- Listen to the song without worrying about understanding every word.
- Find the lyrics online.
- Read along while listening to improve comprehension.
- Note down new words or phrases (around 5-10 per song).
- Pay attention to informal spellings and pronunciation in the lyrics (e.g., ‘wanna’ for ‘want to’).
- Join in by singing along, starting with the easier sections like the chorus.
- Gradually increase participation in singing along with each repetition.
- Repeat the process with new songs and revisit old favourites.
- Incorporate songs into your routine to integrate language learning into daily life.
- Have fun with the process.
To conclude
Music emerges as a melody that not only captivates but also educates. So, grab your headphones to Learn English with songs. Conclusively, go on a musical journey, and let the harmonies guide you towards linguistic proficiency.