9 reasons why you should use songs to teach English as a foreign language

Teaching foreign languages ​​with songs

Language teachers can and should use songs as part of classroom instruction. The song contains real language, is easy to access, provides vocabulary, grammar and culture, and is very interesting for students. They can provide valuable oral, listening and language exercises both inside and outside the classroom. Some of the key reasons why songs work well in foreign language classes include:

Songs almost always contain real natural language

This is often in stark contrast to the artificial, clumsy language found in many student texts. Of course, songs can go to the other extreme by using language that is too rude, rude or otherwise offensive. Through careful screening, a large library of available songs for language learning can be compiled.

Introducing new vocabulary to students through songs

Want to improve your students' vocabulary through useful phrases, vocabulary and expression? Songs are almost always directed at native speakers, so they usually contain contemporary vocabulary, idioms and expressions.

Songs are usually very easy to get

Cibemba and Silozi can't stand it, and songs are usually not difficult to get. There may be local resources, including the students themselves. In addition to the most awkward language, there is always the Internet that connects you to song downloads.

4. You can choose songs to meet your needs and interests.

Especially in English, there are many songs to choose from, with the right theme, level and vocabulary songs is not difficult. Depending on the student, the complexity or simplicity of the language can also be improved by selecting and using the appropriate songs.

Introduce grammatical and cultural aspects through songs

Most, if not all, songs have duplicate themes or stories. So excerpting cultural elements is often a possible but often overlooked aspect of using songs. I still use the "Hit the Road Jack" sung by the late Ray Charles to illustrate the colloquial contraction. He uses spoken language to shrink almost every line of the song.

6. The length of time is easy to control

Whether you have an hour, 30 minutes or just 15 minutes or so, you can use a song in the planning session. The use of songs is very flexible.

7. Students can experience a variety of accents

One of the benefits of songs is that you can expose students to many different types of English. British English, American English, and Caribbean English are widely available through songs. The accent also represents songs from different regions and in various types and formats. Gospel, soul, R&B, pop, rock, reggae, jazz and other styles not only change the accent, but also change the vocabulary and usage.

The lyrics can be used to tell the story of the world around us.

The song was used as a tool to protest against civil rights, workers' rights, even prisoner rights and countless other reasons. They elaborated on pollution, crime, war and almost all social themes or careers. We won't even mention how many songs are about, involving or exploratory topics.

9. Students think the song is natural and interesting

Actually they are, aren't they? Interesting, even stupid English songs. Some singers are actually engaged in their careers. [Ray Stevens, is there anyone?] They made an alternative, interesting rhythm change in classroom use.

These are just a few of the many reasons why songs are useful in language learning classes. They contain real language, are easy to access, provide vocabulary, grammar and culture, and are very interesting for students. They provide pleasant speaking, listening, vocabulary and language practice both inside and outside the classroom. Therefore, EFL, English as a foreign language, ESL, English as a second language and foreign language teachers should consider songs as a regular part of classroom activities.

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