We all spend a lot of time listening to music—whether it's in the car, on the train, at work, or at the gym. Music is an intrinsic part of our lives. So how can we use this to improve our English?
This blog continues from my previous post, Learning English With Songs, which highlighted how to use music in a passive way to learn English. I encourage you to check it out!
So, how can we actively use music to improve our English? This method requires a bit more time, but as the saying goes, all good things take time. So, be patient with yourself!
Writing out the lyrics can significantly boost your vocabulary and word recognition. Seeing how a word is spelled and understanding its sound helps with future usage!
Example Exercise: Choose a song like "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran. Write out the first verse quickly to improve your listening skills and challenge yourself to recognize words faster.
Listening closely to lyrics helps you hear the pronunciation of words and can expose you to various accents.
Example Exercise: Listen to "Someone Like You" by Adele. Write down what you hear, then compare it with the actual lyrics. How many words did you get right? This practice helps you recognize patterns in pronunciation.
Tip: Pay attention to the rhythm and rhyme in songs, as it can aid your pronunciation and make language more memorable.
After reading the lyrics, pick out a sentence or a word you want to use in daily life.
Example: In "Bring It On Home" by Sam Cooke, adapt the phrase “Bring it on home” to something like, “Bring the groceries in.” You’ve just learned a new sentence structure!
Contextual Learning: Understand the theme of songs. For example, "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten can inspire you by connecting to personal experiences.
Cultural Insights: Discuss cultural references in songs. For instance, "American Pie" by Don McLean offers historical context that can lead to discussions about American culture.
Vocabulary Building: Create a vocabulary list from songs. From "Happy" by Pharrell Williams, note words like “joy” and use them in sentences.
Discussion Questions: After a song, ask questions. For "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, you might ask, “What makes the world wonderful?”
Group Activities: Share favorite songs with friends and discuss their significance. This fosters richer discussions and diverse cultural perspectives.
Follow-Up Activities: After studying a song, try writing your own lyrics on a similar theme, inspired by "Count on Me" by Bruno Mars.
So, give it a try! Pick a song you love, write down the lyrics, and see how these methods can enhance your language journey. Music is a fantastic tool for improving your English skills while having fun!