Did you know that the perfect tool to make learning English fun is sitting right inside your smartphone? In addition to your regular lessons, you can start learning further through songs and music… anywhere, anytime and whatever your mood!
How can songs and music help learn a second language?
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Music is an easy habit to get into; you can listen to it just about everywhere.
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By picking songs you like, you can listen to the same material endlessly without boredom. Remember: repetition is essential for memorisation!
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Most words and sound patterns in songs are repetitive, so it’s easier for them to stick in your mind for the long run.
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Songs include up-to-date language and colloquialisms, so the language used in songs is casual and actually usable in everyday situations.
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Songs are emotional. When something is emotional, it’s easier to remember.
It’s also scientifically proven that music helps second language learners acquire vocabulary, understand grammar, enhance oral expression and comprehension but also improve pronunciation!
I’d like to share a few tips to learn with songs and music
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Only choose music you cherish.
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Source from Spotify, Deezer, YouTube and Vimeo.
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Avoid singers who mumble.
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Start with mainstream pop music with repeated vocabulary and then branch out.
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Lyrics and Smartlyrics.com will help study the words and break the song down.
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Work on a few tunes at a time, going back and forward in a “spaced repetition” way.
Music is a universal language that we can all enjoy and relate to. If you listen to English songs daily, you’ll be surprised at just how much of the English language you can pick up with ease.
I thought I’d share some of the 1to1PROGRESS favourites with you for inspiration
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Tonight we fly – The Divine Comedy
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A sky full of stars – Coldplay
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Shape of you – Ed Sheeran
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Wonderwall – Oasis
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Happy – Pharrell Williams
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Imagine – John Lennon
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Last Christmas – George Michael (even if it’s out of season)
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Don’t stop me now – Queen
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Think – Aretha Franklin
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You’re the first, the last, my everything – Barry White