A foreign language is immediately placed in perspective by music. Speaking and studying become much more enjoyable. In addition, music can also help you become more culturally fluent. Here is how to apply it.
Start with Children’s music
Simple children’s music, poems, and nursery rhymes are all quick and easy ways to learn a new language. They are not only catchy, but they frequently have a lot of repetition. Even now, 15 years later, I can still sing the song from my first French lesson, “Mon âne, mon âne / A bien mal à la tête / Madame lui fit fait / Un bonnet pour sa fête,” about a donkey who has a headache that his maker fashioned for him. Although it’s absurd, I always know what such terms signify when I encounter them in French. You may readily find traditional children’s songs and lullabies in any language by conducting a quick Google search.
Look for similar songs in the same genre.
Look for music in a style you enjoy. Find the “best music of all time in (language)” if you enjoy timeless folk music or classic rock. Find the most well-known musicians in your language or the nation where that language is spoken. I’m sure Serge Gainsbourg and Carla Bruni have taught me some useful French terms and expressions. When you start learning about classic musical figures, you not only discover new music but also open a door to another culture.
While listening, look up the lyrics
Normally, you won’t understand every word in a song sung in a foreign language. Songs often employ colloquial language and slang, so you might not understand all the performer is saying. For this reason, it’s beneficial to read the lyrics while you’re listening to the music. After a few repetitions, you’ll be able to comprehend what is being stated.
Translate All The Lyrics You Don’t Understand
Even if you believe you comprehend the song’s main ideas, take the time to look up English translations of the lyrics or enter the song’s lyrics into an online translator. When you can read the entire song in your own language, new levels of understanding can suddenly open up for you. After then, return and give the song another listen while reading the English translation. Can you reasonably follow along?
Sing the Music
The last stage is to sing the song you just learned. Simply practice alone in your room if you’re too shy to perform it in front of others. You’ll discover that after going through this extensive research procedure, you’ll be able to sing along at least in part. Reading, understanding, and speaking are all put to the test when you can sing a song in another language. Even when you sing aloud, you’re telling a tale.
Although Nasma Of NY won’t force you to sing aloud in class (unless you want to! ), we are fairly good at coming up with original and inventive ways to encourage you to learn other languages. Today, have a look at our upcoming classes.