How Music Makes You Fluent: Learning English Through Songs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69760/aghel.0250050008Keywords:
English language learning, Songs, Music-based instruction, vocabulary acquisition, pronunciation, listening comprehensionAbstract
This study investigates the impact of learning English through songs on vocabulary acquisition, pronunciation, and listening comprehension. Music has long been recognized as a powerful tool in language learning, combining rhythm, melody, and meaningful content to enhance cognitive and affective processes. Twenty English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners participated in a four-week intervention involving structured activities, including guided listening, lyric analysis, shadowing, and comprehension tasks. A curated playlist of pop, acoustic, soft rock, and indie songs was used, selected for clear pronunciation, repetitive structures, and appropriate lexical content. Pre- and post-tests measured vocabulary knowledge, pronunciation accuracy, and listening comprehension, while qualitative feedback captured learners’ perceptions and motivation.
Results indicated significant improvements: vocabulary scores increased by 32%, pronunciation by 22%, and listening comprehension by 28%. Pop songs yielded the greatest gains in vocabulary and listening, while acoustic and soft rock songs enhanced prosodic features. Learners reported increased engagement, reduced anxiety, and enhanced motivation, highlighting the affective benefits of music-based learning. These findings support the integration of songs into language instruction as an effective, enjoyable, and culturally enriching approach. Music not only reinforces linguistic skills but also fosters fluency, confidence, and long-term retention, offering a holistic strategy for English language acquisition.
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