Language learning offers unique and
exciting opportunities to integrate music. Many people have had the experience
of learning a world language and singing simple, silly songs in class. The
introduction of music provides a light-hearted and fun way to interact with
another language and culture.
In fact, music and language are linked in Howard
Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences. The Multiple
Intelligences theory states that there are eight basic ways of people
being "smart." In this case, "smart" is defined as the
strengths that each learner has in acquiring new information. The eight
intelligences are:
·
Logical-mathematical
intelligence (number/reasoning smart)
·
Linguistic
intelligence (word smart)
·
Spatial
intelligence (picture smart)
·
Bodily-kinesthetic
intelligence (body smart)
·
Musical and Linguistic intelligence
(music and language smart)
·
Interpersonal
intelligence (people smart)
·
Intrapersonal
intelligence (self smart)
·
Naturalist
intelligence (nature smart)
Musical and linguistic intelligence could be supported
by listening to and analyzing popular songs from the times. Every person has
these intelligences, but we all have our preferences and strengths, so a lesson
plan that includes a variety of activities is bound to capture students'
attention and facilitate learning.
In addition, it is worth noting that different kinds
of activities may give English Language Learners an opportunity to participate
in ways that build their confidence or fit their learning styles — a student
who is shy or insecure may surprise you with a remarkable music or
art assignment!
If you are studying or planning to study a particular
language, learning the language partly through music would be a great option
available to you. If you want to find the lyrics for a particular song, you
can, most of the time, simply google the name of the band and song, and
get them translated. It only takes a couple of days of study to get the
hang of it, so don’t be put off by these strange characters!
Otherwise, simply enjoy discovering a new culture.
Remember, music is truly diverse, creative, and addictive. If you have any
additional bands you think are worthy of mention, please let us know in the
comments section! Also, this list is highly subjective, there are
simply too many good bands to include in one go, so don’t hesitate to make
your own suggestions and we will most likely write an additional post in the
future by request, lingholic, if
people are interested!