Since ancient times, music has played a significant role in human lives and culture. From the rhythmic beats that make our feet move to the heartfelt melodies that stir our souls, this universal language has had an undeniable influence on humanity. It affects us physically, emotionally and psychologically by stimulating our brains and allowing us to focus, relax, or be inspired. However, if this art form will help your child learn a new language and whether music and Chinese language learning go hand in hand remains to be seen.
Music, according to many research findings, is a valuable tool in language learning. Similar to movie subtitles, song lyrics can be a great source of vocabulary that creates an enjoyable learning experience. It also helps students in Chinese tuition centres in Singapore with their pronunciation and intonation. Therefore, among the various learning approaches, music has emerged as an efficient auditory learning tool for children.
Why Should Music be Incorporated into Chinese Language Learning?
Learning the Chinese language through music can be an entertaining approach to your child's education. It breaks the monotony of your child's study sessions without interfering with their progress. Songs with rhythmic lyrics are ideal for grammar and vocabulary practice as they are easier to recall than words from a textbook. Hence incorporating music into your child's lessons will be a welcome change that can help them improve their Chinese language skills.
Music is also regarded as a portable language learning aid since there are numerous portable devices that play music, allowing your child to learn Chinese from anywhere. Hence, they can become familiar with the language during their daily activities without necessarily being in a learning environment. Furthermore, if your child has a limited attention span, music is a great tool for learning as it can be listened to in short bursts. A song is only a few minutes long, and since it is quick and easy to listen to, the child can do so throughout the day. It will help students get acquainted with the Chinese words and phrases included in the song. Most importantly, music is a tool that makes extensive use of repetition, which is seen as a critical component in language learning.
The following are some of the main benefits of incorporating music into Chinese Language learning.
Practical Learning
Teachers at Chinese tuition centres in Singapore sometimes struggle to make study materials relevant and practical. Music works best in these situations since it can assist, engage and enthuse the students. Song lyrics often contain vocabulary that native speakers use on a daily basis, which offers a stark contrast to the formulaic content found in language textbooks.
Engagement
Every student has music that they either like or detest. Teachers can harness these emotions elicited by music to improve student participation. Encouraging them to discuss their favourite musicians or holding friendly debates about different genres can help them be more interested in their language study content.
Productive Skills
Using song lyrics to inspire student inquiry and develop their critical thinking abilities is another teaching method with a wealth of language learning potential. Lyrics can serve as a great starting point for critical thinking and their own creative learning by encouraging students to think about how a song relates to their experience.
With these factors in mind, let us look at how Chinese tuition centres in Singapore use music for language teaching.
1. Pronunciation
Listening to Chinese music can help your child improve their pronunciation as it introduces them to the native rhythm, speed, and intonation of the language. When your child merely listens to or sings along to the music, they will learn to emulate the pronunciation, which will help their own pronunciation sound more authentic. Music also helps children recall new terminology they come across in songs, which helps them expand their vocabulary.
2. Vocabulary
Common terms, idioms, and expressions are abundant in songs. As they listen to Chinese music, students will undoubtedly pick up new terms and phrases in the general context, which will help them better comprehend what they mean and how to apply them. Furthermore, they will come across terms and phrases that are utilised in unique or non-traditional contexts.
3. Memory
When the words are accompanied by captivating music, it is much easier for your child to memorise the new words and phrases they learn at their Chinese tuition centre. The songs serve as a mnemonic device, which is a memory technique that aids in the recall and retention of information, making it simpler to remember the words.
4. Grammar
Music can be used for both the presentation and practice phases of a grammar lesson. Song lyrics can expose your child to a range of grammar structures, allowing them to gain an understanding of how sentence structures are formed in Chinese.
5. Culture
Music is a deeply ingrained aspect of a culture, and listening to Chinese music can reveal insights into Chinese cultural beliefs, traditions, and heritage. Being familiar with Chinese music can help your child better appreciate the culture, history and ideals related to the language.
Enrol Your Child in a Top Chinese Tuition Centre in Tampines
If you are seeking a Chinese tuition centre in Singapore that offers programmes for preschool, primary, and secondary school students, My Bright Education Centre is the place to go. We provide an immersive learning environment for your child to make their Chinese language learning experience enjoyable. Our dedicated team of Chinese tutors use a variety of creative teaching techniques, including music and other art forms, to assist our students in reaching their full potential. Get in touch with us to learn more about our Chinese enrichment programmes and other courses today!