A.

9 Reasons Why You Should Use Songs to Teach EFL

Language teachers can and should use songs as part of their classroom teaching
repertoire. Songs contain authentic language, are easily obtainable, provide vocabulary,
grammar and cultural aspects and are fun for the students. They can provide valuable
speaking, listening and language practice in and out of the classroom. Some key reasons
songs can work exceedingly well in the foreign language classroom include the following:
1. Songs almost always contain authentic, natural language
This often contrasts the contrived, stilted language found in many student texts. Of
course songs can also go to the other extreme by using overly crude, foul or otherwise
objectionable language. With careful screening, an extensive library of usable songs for
language learning can be compiled.
2. A variety of new vocabulary can be introduced to students through songs
Looking to boost student vocabulary with useful phrases, vocabulary and
expressions? Songs are almost always directed to the native-speaking population so they
usually contain contemporary vocabulary, idioms and expressions.
3. Songs are usually very easily obtainable
Cibemba and Silozi non-withstanding, songs are usually not that difficult to obtain.
Local sources may be available including the students themselves. There’s always the
internet which can connect you with song downloads in all but the most obscure languages.
4. Songs can be selected to suit the needs and interests of the students
In English especially, so many songs are available that selection of songs with
suitable themes, levels and vocabulary is not at all difficult. Allowances can also be made for
complexity or simplicity of language, depending on the students, by selecting and using
suitable songs.
5. Grammar and cultural aspects can be introduced through songs
Most if not all songs have a recurring theme or story. So excerpting cultural elements
is usually a possible, but often overlooked aspect of using songs. I still use “Hit the Road
Jack” sung by the late Ray Charles to illustrate spoken contractions. He uses spoken
contractions is virtually every line of the song.
6. Time length is easily controlled
Whether you have an hour, 30 minutes, or only 15 minutes or so, a song can be used
in the course of a planned lesson. Use of songs is very flexible.
7. Students can experience a wide range of accents
A good thing about songs is that you can expose the students to many different kinds
of English. British English, American English, Caribbean English are all widely available
through songs. Accents too are well represented by songs from different regions and in a
variety of types and formats. Gospel, soul, R & B, Pop, Rock, Reggae, Jazz and other styles
change not only accents, but vocabulary and usage too.

8. Song lyrics can be used in relating to situations of the world around us

 Songs have been used as vehicles of protest for civil rights, workers’ rights, even
prisoners’ rights along with an untold number of other causes. They’ve expounded on
pollution, crime, war and almost every social theme or cause. We won’t even mention how
many songs are about, related to or explore the theme of sex.
9. Students think songs are natural and fun
Well actually they are, aren’t they? Fun, even silly songs abound in English. Some singers
actually made a career out of them. (Ray Stevens, anyone?) They make offbeat, fun changes
of pace with classroom use.
These are only some of the many reasons songs are useful in the language learning
classroom. They contain authentic language, are easily obtainable, provide vocabulary,
grammar and cultural aspects and are fun for the students. They provide enjoyable speaking,
listening, vocabulary and language practice both in and out of the classroom. So EFL,
English as a foreign language, ESL, English as a Second language and foreign language
teachers should all consider using songs as a regular part of their classroom activities.
B. benefits of learning a language through the song:
1. It improves your communication and the manner in which you express yourself
(expression in use).
2. You can learn about the culture in an easy and fun way.
3. You learn practical vocabulary, daily vocabulary, currently in use (if the music is a
current hit J)
4. You can do it from anywhere and at unusual times (using an MP3, IPod, Smartphone
players, and so on.)
5. The most important one: You keep your motivation levels up.
6. Yes, when you are singing in another language, you are speaking in that language!
This way is easier, more motivating, and it is quite different to sitting and studying a
grammar book.

C. The effect of learning english through the song:

The rhythm found in a song can help to remember words better. With the help of
these components then the child will remember more deeply and will be remembered in a
long period of time. In learning English by using media songs will have advantages and
disadvantages.
The advantage of learning English using songs can improve memory and understand
vocabulary more effectively. With songs can also help to develop Pronounciation Skills with
good intonation. Children will prefer english quickly because this way of learning will create
a pleasant atmosphere and not feel bored.
The tones contained in the song will also make the mood happy. Make the child
comfortable and start lulled with the tone and language delivered. Learning English by using
a song is a way to learn english quickly that will make children feel happy and continue to
want to learn.

D. How to learn a language through music. A guideline and some tricks.

I suppose that now, you want to know how to do it. Don’t worry because we have
everything sorted out for you. Here is a guideline and some tricks to help you improve your
language learning curve.
1. Choose a song to suit your level.
 Sure we don’t want to start building a house from the roof down. If you choose
something difficult, you will end up feeling frustrated.
In case you are interested in learning Spanish, this is the website you can find a few
examples of songs at different levels of Spanish. It is always better to begin with those songs
that have a clear pronunciation by the singer and those that are not too fast. For example,
when it comes to Spanish, we don’t recommend you start by learning flamenco songs,
because the pronunciation and the tone of voice is very complicated to understand.
#Tip: it has to be a song that you like, remember you should have interest in it.
2. Translate the song or look for someone who can do it for you if you are a beginner.
For example, you can find the most famous songs translated in Spanish by starting
here.
#Tip: Search for the translated versions of the famous songs you’ve already heard of. From
then on you will know what the song is about.
3. Collate all the vocabulary. Note down all the new words and the ones you already
know but can’t recall. Attempt to analyze grammatical structures and expressions. See
if you already know them and if not, then look for more information about them.
#Tip: At first, set achievable goals so that you can see the results quickly. This way, you will
gain small victories easily and you will advance more quickly. Look at these examples:
 Goals for Song 1: learn the vocabulary and understand it. If you are able to, sing it
with the lyrics in front of you.
 Goals for Song 2: Sing it without looking at the lyrics and pronounce the chorus
perfectly (just because I love it J)
 Goals for Song 3: Be able to sing it, pronounce it correctly, without looking at the
lyrics, and dance!
4. Try to memorize the lyrics and sing it by yourself.
Later, practise together with the singer.
#Tip: look for the version of the song that you want learn along with subtitles.
5. Underline everything that causes a bit of trouble for you and then pay special attention
to it.
Repeat whatever is the hardest to grasp. Work with the pronunciation of words that
cause the most difficulties, repeating the parts that are the most difficult a few times.
#Tip: divide the song in parts and study them separately. The process will be a lot easier this
way.

E. The steps to learning english through the song.

Method of Teaching English Using Best Songs - One of the most commonly used
English language learning media is 'song' or song. As an English teacher, a monotonous
English teaching method is certainly not recommended. Method of teaching English by using
the song is appropriate we try as one of the media in the process of learning to teach English.
It is true, many methods of teaching English by using media songs. Well, on this occasion,
we have summarized some steps in teaching English by using the song as the main
component. Here are the steps:

1. Students are played with a song that is very familiar or easy to memorize in english.
2. Next step, let the students start hearing and invite them to sing. So, eventually they
will enjoy and feel happy.
3. Once they start feeling enjoy, we can give the lyrics sheet of the song to the students.
To make students easier and work together, just give 1 sheet of lyrics per-two
students. So two people will only get one script song only.
 4. However, the thing you should remember is; Let some parts of the song's lyrics
disappear so they can try to complete the lyrics.
5. Ask students to guess the missing lyrics from the song.

The structure of the song is the composition of the elements of music in a song and produce a
meaningful composition of the song. A song has a shape / structure consisting of a sentence
(verse or bridge), pattern, motif, refrain, segment, theme, interlude, and so on.