The Benefits of Listening to English Songs

by Li Bowen, Zhang Kao, Zhang HaoQiang, Mi Yang, Qiao Liang

Have you noticed the phenomenon in China that more and more people have become more interested in English songs? They listen to English songs as they travel home each day and almost everywhere they go. As English is the most widely used language in the world, it seems a natural progression that gradually that English songs make their way into people's hearts. Actually, listening to English songs has three main benefits. It helps us to improve our language skills, gives us a topic of common conversation starter and gives us cultural insight.

Some students feel that English songs is a good tool to help us in the learning of English. In the past, students learned English mainly from textbooks often this was a boring, frustrating experience that needed patience, inner motivation and perseverance to ensure language learning continued. Recently, more and more learners tend to listen to English songs as a means to improve their English. Learners feel learning English in this manner is more enjoyable and relaxing. The variety of accents by the various singers means that students improve their listening skills. Songs also expose students to a wide vocabulary related to a theme.

Besides learning English, listening to English songs gives us a common topic of conversation with other speakers of English. Many Chinese students feel uncomfortable speaking to strangers in English, this is mainly because they are unable to come up with topics that they share in common with the English speakers from other nationalities. Music diffuses awkward and uncomfortable social situations and puts everyone in a friendly mood. Almost everyone has an opinion about music and songs so it is a great topic to start a conversation and a good way to get to know people better. People who like the same music find a common bond quickly and easily.

Because we live in a cross-cultural and complex global environment which can be quite confusing at times, listening to song and music in English gives inroads to understand aspects of Western cultural influences. Every song emerges out of a unique cultural context and has a story behind it. For example by listening to folk songs we learn of the icons and cultural significant symbols of that period in history. If we listen to many different types of music we become exposed to more and more aspects of culture.

It is no wonder that English music is becoming more popular nowadays. It helps us improve our English, meet speakers of English and enhances our cultural understanding. If there are so many benefits to listening to English music, why not try start listening now.