Language teachers can and should use songs as part of their classroom teaching repertoire. Songs contain authentic language, are easily obtainable, provide vocabulary, grammar and cultural aspects and are fun for the students.
They can provide valuable speaking, listening and language practice in and out of the classroom. Some key reasons songs can work exceedingly well in the foreign language classroom include the following:
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Songs almost always contain authentic, natural language
This often contrasts the contrived, stilted language found in many student texts. Of course songs can also go to the other extreme by using overly crude, foul or otherwise objectionable language. With careful screening, an extensive library of usable songs for language learning can be compiled.
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A variety of new vocabulary can be introduced to students through songs
Looking to boost student vocabulary with useful phrases, vocabulary and expressions? Songs are almost always directed to the native-speaking population so they usually contain contemporary vocabulary, idioms and expressions.
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Songs are usually very easily obtainable
Cibemba and Silozi non-withstanding, songs are usually not that difficult to obtain. Local sources may be available including the students themselves. There’s always the internet which can connect you with song downloads in all but the most obscure languages.
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Songs can be selected to suit the needs and interests of the students
In English especially, so many songs are available that selection of songs with suitable themes, levels and vocabulary is not at all difficult. Allowances can also be made for complexity or simplicity of language, depending on the students, by selecting and using suitable songs.
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Grammar and cultural aspects can be introduced through songs
Most if not all songs have a recurring theme or story. So excerpting cultural elements is usually a possible, but often overlooked aspect of using songs. I still use “Hit the Road Jack” sung by the late Ray Charles to illustrate spoken contractions. He uses spoken contractions is virtually every line of the song.
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Time length is easily controlled
Whether you have an hour, 30 minutes, or only 15 minutes or so, a song can be used in the course of a planned lesson. Use of songs is very flexible.
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Students can experience a wide range of accents
A good thing about songs is that you can expose the students to many different kinds of English. British English, American English, Caribbean English are all widely available through songs. Accents too are well represented by songs from different regions and in a variety of types and formats. Gospel, soul, R & B, Pop, Rock, Reggae, Jazz and other styles change not only accents, but vocabulary and usage too.
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Song lyrics can be used in relating to situations of the world around us
Songs have been used as vehicles of protest for civil rights, workers’ rights, even prisoners’ rights along with an untold number of other causes. They’ve expounded on pollution, crime, war and almost every social theme or cause. We won’t even mention how many songs are about, related to or explore the theme of sex.
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Students think songs are natural and fun
Well actually they are, aren’t they? Fun, even silly songs abound in English. Some singers actually made a career out of them. (Ray Stevens, anyone?) They make offbeat, fun changes of pace with classroom use.
These are only some of the many reasons songs are useful in the language learning classroom. They contain authentic language, are easily obtainable, provide vocabulary, grammar and cultural aspects and are fun for the students. They provide enjoyable speaking, listening, vocabulary and language practice both in and out of the classroom. So EFL, English as a foreign language, ESL, English as a Second language and foreign language teachers should all consider using songs as a regular part of their classroom activities.
10 comments
Carol
I have used songs on many occasions, with great success. It has been particularly useful to have the lyrics written down. This is however now more problematic for me as my supplier of lyrics for current popular songs is no more and my commitments leave no spare time to decipher these myself. Does anyone have a short cut to obtaining – free – currently popular song lyrics??
lauriep11
A-Z Lyrics (just google it or any “songname Lyrics”) is pretty reliable. I’ve used many songs with students of varying levels of English from Lower intermediate upwards. The students usually enjoy the challenge, and a great way to motivate them is to let them choose the song.
David
Why don’t you just search on google for the lyrics? You can easily find them in mattter of seconds. As long as you type the name of the song + lyrics, you’ll find them (even the most recents ones).
Smrits
I have incorporated songs in my classes a number of times. I can say that they have been a great success. The students have enjoyed those classes and it has also helped them to develop an interest in listening to English songs.
Kati
I think teaching English as a second language using music and songs is a very practical way to make both teaching and learning successful. It creates a relaxed atmosphere and provides a break from classroom routine.
Shelley
I am a songwriter of adult songs and children’s songs. Basically, a song is a poem set to music. So if you know how to write a basic poem, you can use a list of set words, then create a little simple song to go with it. I have a youtube channel, which some may not be able to access, it is ‘A Child Sings‘. It only has one song, I think, on there so far, and I’ve got to re-record it because I haven’t had my music equipment long, but you can see I did my own pictures with a free download of a paintbrush type program. I also downloaded MovieMaker for free to create the little video. I’m off to China, hopefully, soon, but feel free to take that song, (or any other song I may upload in the future), and use it to teach the English words with. Of course, you can’t ‘keep’ or sell the song, but use it to teach English with. Photocopy it – write it up – record it – do whatever you have to do, to teach English with it, if you want, that is.
Taj
Songs are very helpful in the language learning process. They are good not only for audio visual but also for kinaesthetic learners. They can give good training in listening and speaking activities. They are the best means to learn different accents and improve pronunciation, enrich vocabulary and cultural knowledge.
Mel
Anyone know where i can get the resource? i need to know what title and the page of his book or article to put it down on my task. Thanks
Keith Taylor
Hi Mel – do you mean the article on this page, or are you referring to something different?
Allen
Pratiwi, Etty. (2018). USING SONGS TO ENHANCE LEARNING IN THE ENGLISH CLASSROOM. Universitas PGRI Palembang