Meaning and Lyrics: Proposed Ideas for Enhancing the Use of Music in Language Learning

Who can deny that at some point we have wandered halls and streets with a catchy tune stuck in our heads?  Perhaps, trying to sing along even though you are not entirely sure what the real lyrics are?  Many an argument has been had over “lock the cashbox” or “rock the casbah.”  Even more intriguing is the prevalence of Spanish songs such as La Cucaracha, Feliz Navidad, and La Bamba in American society. Almost every American has heard these songs, recognizes the toe-tapping beat, but has barely an idea about what they really mean.  (Other than the use of Feliz Navidad only during the holidays – that does help provide some clue). 

Many people have cited music as an integral part in their second language practice. I do agree with the usefulness of having a tune in a foreign language that you can sing along with. While great for becoming acclimated to the phonetics of a language, this has quite limited use for helping learners acquire true meaning, especially when considering the high number of metaphorical and poetic uses of the language in music.  

Kindle Paperwhite Dictionary tool

Let me jump to another useful tool for just a moment. While not focused on language learning, I have recently discovered the joy that is Kindle reading.  Of course it's lovely to have novels so portable, so weightless and always within reach.  But my intrigue has been most greatly piqued by the ability to click on a word and have the dictionary definition provided, all in a single touch.  

The interesting thing is that following extended use of this feature, I found myself attempting to use it in other respects - where of course - it did not work.  The primary instance of this has been during work when I listen to Spanish music on Pandora in an attempt to augment my language skills.  I often opt to expand the lyrics section to read along while I listen. 

The interesting part is I found myself wanting to click, even trying sometimes, to select words within the Spanish lyrics and hoping that the translation in context would pop up, the same as a meaning in the form of a dictionary entry would pop up in my Kindle books.  I would remember that this is not Kindle and resign to looking up the phrase elsewhere.  

Yet on this thought, I offer the situation as thought for future language educators and developers.  What if we could listen to popular music in our target language, read along with the lyrics, and have access to meaning-in-context via translation for further assistance?






**Addendum: June 22, 2014

As of recent I have connected with some wonderful people over at Linguistadores. It is a terrific new startup for people looking to learn a language from home at their own pace. The site has integrated a feature that allows you to watch/listen to a song, follow the lyrics, and see translations of the lyrics as you go.  Pretty much exactly the feature I was suggesting in this blog. I am so excited to see this and look forward to working with them.

I will likely write a post dedicated to this site soon, but in the mean time, please take a second to check them out.