Www.robwaring.org



Learning English Through MusicGraduation ThesisPresented tothe Faculty of the Department ofEnglish Language and LiteratureNotre Dame Seishin University In Partial Fulfillmentof the Requirement for the DegreeBachelor of Arts byYumeka Hori2018Contents Chapter One: IntroductionIntroduction1Learning English through music1Listening skill 2Speaking skill 2Vocabulary/ Grammar 2Some merits or demerits of learning English through music2Merits of learning English through music 2Demerits of learning English through music 3Summary41.4Previous research on learning English from music41.4.1 Using English songs in class (Kadoyama, 2001) 41.4.2How are English songs used? 51.5Research questions61.6Summary 7Chapter Two: The data2.1Introduction82.2The Questionnaire 82.2.1Introduction to the questionnaire 82.2.2Method 82.2.3Results 92.3Summary 23Chapter Three: The Analysis3.1Introduction253.2Summary of the results253.3Discussion of the results253.4Research questions283.5Limitations of the experiments313.6Further research363.7Conclusion32References33Appendices35AbstractEnglish has become a compulsory subject in schools in Japan. Japanese people study English at least for eight years at school now. In schools there are many methods of learning English. Learning English through music is one of the most popular methods in Japan. In fact, many schools use English songs as teaching material in English class. This thesis researched the effects and methods of learning English through music. In Chapter One, we looked at many effects of learning English through music and the merits and demerits of it. There are many ways of utilizing music for English learning. In Chapter Two, we look at the results of the data from a questionnaire given to 31 subjects. There were 22 questions in the questionnaire divided into two parts. The first part asked them about basic information and English learning. The aim of this part was to know their backgrounds and attitude to English learning. The second part asked them about English music. The aim of this part was to find out their thoughts about English music. In Chapter Three, we analyze the data from the questionnaire which seems to show that learning English through music is effective for Japanese people. The effect depends on the methods, people can change the method of learning depending on skills what they want to improve.Chapter One: IntroductionIntroductionEnglish is now serving the role as the world’s universal language and many people are learning English all over the world. Japanese people are also learning English. Nowadays, English has become compulsory in Japan. Japanese people study English at least for eight years at school now. The need for English will increase more in the future because of globalization. Moreover, the opportunity for a Japanese to meet English has risen as English music spreads in Japan, too. In fact, English music is being used a lot as the teaching materials in English education. This thesis is about the relationship with English learning and English songs and mention about the method of learning English through music.1.2 Learning English through musicWhen we learn English, there are mainly four skills that we need for complete communication. When we learn our native language, we usually learn to listen first, then to speak, then to read, and finally to write. When we also study our second language, we need these four types of language skills: Reading (input), Listening (input), Speaking (output) and Writing (output). All of these are important for learning English. The four language skills are related to each other. There are many methods to build up these skills. For example, reading English books, watching movies in English, listening to foreign music, speak to foreign people in English, memorize new English words, take TOEIC test, and so on.In Japan, there are many opportunities to listen to English music. Listening to music is one of the popular methods of learning English for Japanese students. Actually, many teachers use English songs in English class. 1.2.1 Listening skillOne of the advantages of learning English through music is learners can hear the natural pronunciation of native speakers (singers) so they can improve their listening skill. Learners also can hear informal words or slang that they cannot learn from books or dictionaries.1.2.2 Speaking skillLearners can improve their speaking skill. They can practice to pronounce English words or sentences by singing English songs. They can learn how to put the words together by song’s lyrics. Listening to English music is a good opportunity to learn English speaking. 1.2.5 Vocabulary/ GrammarLearners can learn new words from English music. In Japan, learning vocabulary by listening is very popular. The lyrics of English songs include some words that Japanese learners don’t know. Therefore, learners can meet new words by listening to English songs and can increasing the vocabulary. If learners check the grammar used in lyrics and learn it, learners can learn grammar by songs too.Some merits or demerits of learning English through musicThere are several merits and demerits for learning through music.1.3.1 Merits of learning English through musicIt is a chance to come to like English because it is easy to try.Many Japanese people have awareness that they are not good at English. Music is very familiar to everyone. Most people like listening to music. Therefore, it is easier to try to learning English through music than learn with text books. Learning English through music is a good chance to stop feelings like “I’m not good at English”.Repetition learning does not bother you It is important to listen to and say English repeatedly when people learn English conversation. It is hard for people who have awareness that they are not good at English. However, using music, they can learn English without pain.There is a model of the pronunciation in musicEnglish songs have a model of pronunciation. People can hear native pronunciation naturally by listening to songs. It is one of good point of learning English by music that it is not learning by textbook.People can learn the rhythm of the sound and the connection of the wordRhythm is important when people speak English. People can hear English rhythm by listening to English songs. People can learn connection of the sound by English music. Native English speaker change a sound or attach another word when they pronounce it. It is a good chance to be familiar with the rhythm and connecting the word.It is an opportunity of the output by singing.For singing English songs, people can practice pronouncing English. It is good chance of output learning.1.3.2 Demerits of learning English through musicIt isn’t suitable for people who do not know the basic grammarWe can’t say that learning English through music is effective learning method for people who don’t know the basic grammar and words. For these people, listening to English songs is just chance to be familiar with English. It is difficult to understand words and structure of lyrics if your ability is low. If people want to learn grammar, it is more effective learn by grammar textbooks than by English songs.A dialect is includedA lot of dialect or slang is included in English songs. There are many ways of pronouncing or slang in English songs because the dialect is different depending on the singer. People should learn the basic English pronunciation first.There is a lot of abbreviationIn English songs, there are many poetic or colloquial expressions so there are many abbreviation. It is not good thing to learn by rote uncomplete sentences.There is much free translation.If people learn with translation into Japanese, it often becomes the much free Japanese translation. People should pay attention to the meaning of lyrics because there are many cases whereby the meaning makes sense only in that song.1.3.3 SummaryIn this section we have seen many merits or demerits of learning English through music. There are many good points to learning English through music, but depends on method, English songs are not good for material of learning.1.4 Previous research on learning English from listening to music1.4.1 Using English songs in class (Kadoyama, 2001)In English education, there have been many attempts to utilize English music as teaching materials for a long time in Japan. Actually, many practical reports have been centered on English songs at junior high schools and high schools. There are many reports that classes became active by singing English songs. These days, practical reports and studies are also being conducted in the English education of universities. English songs are favorably accepted by English learners as the material for English learning. Actually, many students say that they practiced singing songs or fill the blanks in the lyrics of English songs such as The Beatles and The Carpenters in English classes.1.4.2 How are English songs used?As mentioned above, English songs have been widely used in classes and their use is quite varied. Asakawa (1997 in Kadoyama 2001) categorizes its application methods into the following 8 categories.1. Creating a lesson atmosphere This is a way to generate interest in English of the student by playing English music at the start or end of the class.2. Introduction and establishment of words and grammar This utilization of English songs is a method using song lyrics to introduce or deepen knowledge of grammar such as subjunctive or present perfect form. There are many examples of this method. (Example: Abrate, 1983; Dubin,1974 ; Martin,1989; Urbancic and Vixmuller,1981 in Kadoyama, 2001)3. Making a substitute song (English composition)This is carried out as a practice of the English composition that use one part of song’s lyrics.4. Listening to lyrics (filling up) This is the use of music as an exercise for listening. It can be divided into two types. One is a method to listen to songs and fill the blanks of the text lyrics, and is intended to raise the listening skill to recognize sounds exactly. Another use is aimed at catching the general meaning of the songs.5. Reading aloud This method is performed many classes for the purpose of learning basic rhythm and pronunciation of English.6. Creating a translation Zola & Sandvoss (1976) reported this use as for advanced learner. 7. Taste lyrics as English poetry This is a method to taste lyrics as English poetry. For example, learning about phoneme or personification in lyrics.8. Read lyrics and treat them as teaching materialsAsakawa (1997 in Kadoyama 2001) reported this method uses English songs as the reading educational material. Taking up the song with a strong social message such as peace or human rights, it is the interest in social topics of the student increased.1.5 Research questionsWe have looked at the way of learning English through music. There are many ways to use English songs for learning English. And there are some merits and demerits of learning English. We will look the effects and methods of learning English through music so there are three research questions for this thesis.Research question 1: Is learning English through music effective for learners?Research question 2: How effective is English music for learning?Research question 3: What kind of music is good for English learning?We will look at these questions in the following chapter.1.6 SummaryIn this chapter, we looked at the effect of learning English through music and the merits and demerits of it. There are many ways to use music for English learning. There are many good points of learning English through music but there are some demerits too. What is the effective way, or what types of songs are good for English learning? In Chapter Two, we will look at the student’s opinion about learning English and using music for learning English. Chapter Two: The Data2.1 IntroductionIn Chapter One, we looked at learning English through music from various points of viewpoints. Japanese people must start studying English from before junior high school and most people continue to study English in high school. Some people study English in university too, so most Japanese people study English at least 6 years. In addition, we have many chances to listen to English songs these days. We can listen to English songs on the smartphone, in the class, at restaurants, at shops, and so on. But, are English songs effective for English study? What is the effective method and what types of songs are good for learning English?In this chapter, we will look at the data from a questionnaire sent out to some subjects. 2.2 The questionnaire2.2.1 Introduction to the questionnaireIn this section I will present the questionnaire.2.2.2 Method1) SubjectsThe subjects of this questionnaire were 31 students, and 26 of those are women, and 5 were men. They are students or member of society (a teacher and an office worker). I asked them questions in English about English learning, English skills, and English music. Their results were used to find out the relationships between learning English and English songs.2) Test design – the questionnaireIn this questionnaire, I asked them 22 questions about English learning and English music. I divided these questions into two parts. In the first part (Question 1 to Question 8), I asked them about themselves, for example, name, age, their English learning stiles, and their thinking about English skills. The aim of this part was to know their backgrounds and attitude about English learning.In the second part (Question 9 to Question 22), I asked them about English music. The aim of this part was to find out their thoughts and backgrounds about English music. The questionnaire is in the Appendix3) ProcedureI made a questionnaire about basic information, English learning, and English music to find out the relationship music and English learning and distributed it on Google Forms. I gave it my 31 friends (most of them were Notre Dame Seishin University student). Then, I calculated the data and analyzed it to get the results.2.2.3 ResultsFirst, we will look at the data about part 1 questions about their basic information and English learning.Figure 1: The data of age of subjects Figure 1 shows most of the subjects are 20-22 years old and university students (96.8%). Only one person is 23 years old.Figure 2: Which way of learning English do you prefer?Figure 2 shows 38.7% of the subjects prefer Listening, 32.3% of the subjects prefer Speaking, 16.1% of the subjects prefer Reading, and 12.9% of the subjects prefer Writing. Most popular the way of learning English is listening. Figure 3: What English skill is the most important do you think? Why?Table 1: The data from the above questionsListeningBecause I need to understand what they mean.SpeakingBecause we can tell our own ideas, opinions, and feelings.Speakingit is necessary to communicate.Speakingspeaking is the best way to contact with othersSpeakingBecause listening can commute with foreigners.SpeakingIt is important to communicate with people with English.SpeakingI'd like to speak well.SpeakingIf we can even speak English, we can communicate with all people.SpeakingIf we cannot speak English, we can't communicate with foreigner.SpeakingCommunicating with others give many ideas.SpeakingWe can communicate easilyListeningIf I can't understand what people say, it's a problem.SpeakingBecause I think it's useless that we can get a high score in writing, listening, reading , but can't speak English. SpeakingI think that when we go to foreign country, most important thing is speaking.ListeningBecause if people can't understand the meaning of sentences, they can't talk.SpeakingNeed for communicate with other countries peoplesListeningWe can't communicate without understanding what people say.SpeakingBecause if we can speak well, tell what we want exactly.SpeakingIt's important to communicate with people SpeakingI like speaking very muchSpeaking自分で口にする事で英語に慣れると思うから。SpeakingThe human relationship is established by speaking word.SpeakingI want to speak English.Speaking英語は主にコミュニケーション能力が求められるからSpeakingI think speaking is best way to communicate with people.Speaking伝わらないと意味ないSpeakingコミュニケーションをとりながら学ぶことが大事だと思うから。SpeakingSpeaking is the most useful in foreign lifeSpeakingコミュニケーションで使うからListening伝えることは、単語だけでもジェスチャーや絵などがあれば大丈夫だけど、相手の言うことを正しく聞き取れないと理解はできないから。Listening日常生活で一番使う可能性があるから。Figure 3 shows 80.6% of the subjects think the speaking skill is the most important for us, and 19.4% of the subjects think the listening skill is the most important. Nobody thinks that reading or writing skill is the most important for us. Table 1 shows the reason why they chose that answer. These reasons show, most of the subjects think communication skill is the most important in English ability.Figure 4 : How many hours do you study English each week? Figure 4 shows that 61.3% of the subjects study English 1~5 hours each week, 16.1% of the subjects study English 6~10 hours each week, 12.9% of the subjects study English zero hours each week, 6.5% of the subjects study English 11~15 hours each week, and 3.2% of the subjects study English more 16 hours each week. According to this data, 87.2% of the subjects study English at least 1 hour each week.Figure 5: What kind of method do you study English?Figure 5 shows most of the subjects choose listening to foreign music as a method of studying English. (74.2%) Watching movie is the second most chosen method to studying English. TOEIC and speaking to foreigner is the third most chosen method to studying English. Figure 6: Do you listen to foreign music?Figure 6 shows 48.4% of the subjects said they listen to foreign music all the time, and 41.9% of the subjects said they listen to foreign music sometimes. In other words, 90.3% of the subjects said they listen to foreign music daily. It was only 9.7% of the subjects said they don`t often listen to foreign music.Figure 7: Do you think listening to English music is effective for English learning?Figure 7 shows 64.5% of the subjects think listening to music is effective for English learning, and 25.8% of the subjects answered maybe. Only 9.7% of the subjects answered listening to English music isn’t effective for English learning. According to these data, many subjects think listening to English music is effective for English learning.Figures 8, 9, 10, and Table 2: How often do you listen to these types of music?Almost neverNot oftenSometimesA lotRock23%13%45%19%J pop0%6%29%65%K pop39%19%35%6%Rap45%29%23%3%Jazz52%26%19%3%Blues58%32%6%3%Western pop16%19%35%29%hip hop16%32%35%16%Classical45%32%16%6%Heavy metal74%19%3%3%Japanese trad. music61%26%6%6%Instrumental (no lyrics)61%19%13%6%Acapella (voice only)71%26%0%3%Figures 8, 9, 10 and Table 2 shows the most listened to music for subjects is J pop (sometimes 29% + a lot 65% = 94%), and next is Western pop (sometimes 35% + a lot 29% = 64%). Third is Rock (sometimes 45% + a lot 19% = 64%). On the other hands, the type of music that the subjects don’t listen very much is Heavy metal (almost never 74% + not often 19% = 93%) and Acapella (almost never 71% + not often 26% = 97%). K pop and hip hop are listened relatively a lot by subjects. Figures 11, 12, 13: What kind of music do you listen to?Figures 14, 15, Table 3: How easy or difficult is it to listen to these types of music?Table 3: The data for the music they likeEasyNot so easyDifficultVery DifficultRock (n=13)31%38%8%23%Rap10%19%35%35%Jazz3%16%26%55%Blues6%26%32%35%Western pop6%35%26%32%hip hop23%32%29%16%Heavy metal10%23%35%32%Acapella (voice only)6%10%23%61%Figure 14, 15 and Table 3 shows Rock to have few admirers but the table shows the relative percentage of each to be consistent with the other genres. Western Pop also easy to understand the meaning.Figure 16, Table 4: Was English music used in English class when you were in…?YesSometimesNoWas English music used in English class when you were in .........? [Elementary school]29%32%39%Was English music used in English class when you were in .........? [Junior High]29%61%10%Was English music used in English class when you were in .........? [Senior High]48%32%19%Was English music used in English class when you were in .........? [University]52%29%19%Elementary schoolFigure 16 and Table 4 show 29% of the subjects said English songs were used in their classes, and 32% of the subjects said English songs were used in their classes sometimes. 39% of the subjects said English songs were not used in their classes. Therefore, quite a lot of subjects said English songs were used in their classes when they were in elementary school.Junior high schoolFigure 16 and Table 4 show 29% of the subjects said English songs were used in their classes, and 61% of the subjects said English songs were used in their classes sometimes. Only 10% of the subjects said English songs were not used in their classes. Therefore, many subjects said English songs were used in their classes when they were in junior high school.Senior high schoolFigure 16 and Table 4 show 48% of the subjects said English songs were used in their classes, and 32% of the subjects said English songs were used in their classes sometimes. Only 19% of the subjects said English songs were not used in their classes. Therefore, many subjects said English songs were used in their classes when they were in senior high school.UniversityFigure 16 and Table 4 show 52% of the subjects said English songs were used in their classes, and 29% of the subjects said English songs were used in their classes sometimes. Only 19% of the subjects said English songs were not used in their classes. Therefore, the most of the subjects said English songs were used in their classes when they are in university.Figure 17, Table 5: Do you remember those songs?YesMaybeNoDo you remember those songs?35.5%35.5%29%This question is about English whether they remember the songs that were used in their class. Figure 17 and Table 5 shows 35.5% of the subjects remember English songs that were used in their class. 35.5% of the subjects said maybe they remember. 29% of the subjects said they don’t remember English songs that were used in their class.Figure 18, Table 6: Do you understand the lyrics of English songs?YesMaybeNoDid you understand the lyrics of the song?38.7%41.9%19.4%Figure 18 and Table 6 show 38.7% of the subjects understand the lyrics of English songs. 41.9% of the subjects said maybe they understand the lyrics of English songs. 19.4% of the subjects said they don’t understand the lyrics of English songs.Figure 19, Table 7: Do you listen to music while reading the lyrics?YesMaybeNoDo you listen to music while reading the lyrics?40%23.3%36.7%Figure 19 and Table 7 show 40% of the subjects listen to music while reading the lyrics. On the other hand, 36.7% of the subjects don’t listen to music while reading the lyrics. 23.3% of the subjects said maybe. Figure 20, Table 8: Do you learn new words when you study from music? YesSometimesNoDo you learn new words when you study from music?48.4%29%22.6%Figure 20 and Table 8 show about half of subjects (48.4%) said they learn new words when they study from music. 22.6% of the subjects said they don’t learn new words from music. 29% of the subjects said they often learn new words from the music.Figure 21, Table 8: Do you research the meaning of words when you can’t understand the meaning of lyrics?YesMaybeNoDo you research the meaning of words when you can't understand the meaning of lyrics?58.1%22.6%19.4%Figure 21 and Table 8 shows 58.1% of the subjects said they research the meaning of words when they can’t understand the meaning of lyrics. 22.6% of the subjects often research the meaning of lyrics. 19.4% of the subjects don’t research the meaning of lyrics even if they can’t understand.The list of songs which can be found in the Appendix shows many subjects said Disney songs are easy to use to learn English from. Actually, 17 Disney songs were listed. 17 Taylor Swift songs and many One Direction (8 songs) and The Beatles (6 songs) are also listed in the appendix.2.3 SummaryIn this chapter we looked at the result of the questionnaire. We could see the subject’s attitudes about English learning and music. There were many different thoughts about English learning and music. In Chapter Three, the results will be discussed.Chapter Three: The Analysis 3.1 IntroductionIn Chapter One, we looked at the effect of learning English through music and the merits or demerits of it. In Chapter Two, we found the subjects attitudes about learning English and the songs they use for that. In Chapter Three, we will analyze the questionnaire data carefully.3.2 Summary of the results In Chapter Two we found some interesting data from the questionnaires. Let us look at examples to recall the data.First, most of the students receive English education using English songs in the English class and most of them remember those songs. In addition, most of the subjects listen to English songs daily. These data are interesting. Second, many people listed the same songs and artists as English songs which are easy to learn English from (in Question 21 of music questionnaire). There may be a reason why they chose these songs or some kind of common points.Let us look at these results in detail next.3.3 Discussion of the resultsIn this section I will discuss the data from the questionnaire in detail. Question 4: Which way of learning English do you prefer?The data shows 38.7% of the subjects prefer Listening, 32.3% of the subjects prefer Speaking, 16.1% of the subjects prefer Reading, and 12.9% of the subjects prefer Writing. The most popular the way of learning English is listening for these subjects. Most of the subjects tend to prefer learning English from a sound (Listening 38.7%+Speaking 32.3%=71%) rather than learn from letters (Reading 16.1%+Writing 12.9%=29%). Question 5, 6: What is the most important do you think? / Why?This data shows 80.6% of the subjects think the speaking skill is the most important for us, and 19.4% of the subjects think the listening skill is the most important. Nobody thinks that reading or writing are most important for us. The subjects tend to think it is more important to communicate by sound than by letters. The main reason for the subject’s opinions that speaking skill is the most important is people think speaking is the best way to communication with others. There is such an opinion that it's useless that we can get a high score in writing, listening, and reading, but can't speak English. On the other hand, the main reason for the opinions that the listening skill is the most important in English skill is if we can't understand what people say, we can't talk to them. An interesting opinion about the listening skill is that we can tell that we want to say by gesture or body language, so understanding what people say is the most important aspect of communication. Question 8: What kind of methods do you study English? Choose as many as you like.The data shows most of the subjects (74.2%) choose listening to foreign music as a major method of studying English. Watching movies is the second most chosen method to studying English. The feature of listening to English music and watching movies in English are people that can learn English while enjoying it. Songs are shorter than movies so people can easily do repeat learning.Question 15, 16: Was English music used in English class when you were in...? / Do you remember those songs?This data shows many subjects said English songs were used in their English class. From the elementary school to the university, the percentage of using English songs in class is rising. In addition, according to question16, many subjects remember that songs. It can be said English songs are received as a teaching material in education at school and play a role.Question 21: Please write a list of which English songs (and artists name if you know it) you think are easy to learn English? e.g. 'Yesterday' by the BeatlesAccording to this data, Disney songs are easy to use to learn English. Actually, 17 Disney songs are listed. Taylor Swift (17songs), One Direction (8 songs), and The Beatles songs (6 songs) are also listed a lot in Table 17 on Chapter Two. There are many common points on these songs.Disney SongsMany Disney songs are listed in Table 17. Above all, “Let it go”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Part of your world”, and “A whole new world” are listed many times. These songs are famous and most people have heard at least once. These songs have some common points.The melody is relatively slow so people feel easy to listen to.Easy to understand the meaning of the lyrics because most people know the story of that song’s movie.Each word is pronounced neatly and clearly one by one.There is no slang.People can enjoy these songs with Disney movies.Songs by Taylor SwiftMany Taylor Swift’s songs are also listed in. For example, “22”, “Belong with me”, “We are never getting back together”. These songs have some peculiarity.The melody isn’t too fast and it’s pop.Easy to understand the meaning of lyrics.There are many texts to speak to like a conversation.She pronounces words slowly and clearly.Many songs of her are about the feeling of love that cause in her experience. Many young woman are easy to do empathy in a text and easy to learn phraseSongs by One DirectionEight of their songs are listed in Table 17. For example, ‘What makes you beautiful’, ‘Kiss You’, and ‘live while we are young’. These songs have some peculiarity.The melody is pop.The difficulties of words or sentences in the lyrics are not so high.They pronounce words clearly.Songs by The BeatlesMany songs by The Beatles are also listed in Table 17. There is some peculiarity of these songs.Many songs have a slow melody.Words in the lyrics are not difficult so are easy to understand.There are many useful expressions in the lyrics.3.4 Research questionsThis section will answer the research questions from Chapter One.Research question 1: Is learning English through music effective for learners?According to Question18, many subjects think listening to music is effective for English learning (effective: 64.5%, maybe: 25.8%). Only 9.7% of the subjects answered listening to English music isn’t effective for English learning. Actually, most of the subjects listen to foreign music daily and have been taking the English classes that use English songs as a teaching material (according to Question15 of the questionnaire).As mentioned at Chapter One, there are many uses of English music for English learning. Learning English through music is effective and many people have realized that actually. As mentioned Chapter One, listening to English music just as a background without thinking or reading lyrics can help them to be familiar with English or English pronunciation. However, just listening as a background, can’t help improve our expand our English skill. We can use English songs in many ways, so it is necessary for us to use the music properly according to the ability that we want to improve.Research question 2: How effective is English music for learning? There are many methods of learning English through music. We can use it for different purposes in accordance to types of skill that we want to improve.Listening SkillIf learners want to improve her the listening skill by using English songs, she has to listen to songs carefully and understand the meaning of the lyrics. According to Question 9 of the questionnaire, most people listen to foreign music daily (all the time: 41.9%, sometimes: 48.4%) but according to Question 17, some people don’t understand the meaning of the lyrics (19.4%). These people may just enjoy the sounds or rhythm of English music. It is good for just be familiar with English pronunciation, but it has almost no effect on the listening skill. According to Question 18, 48.4% of the subjects listen to English songs with lyrics. The important thing to improve the listening skill by English music is to listen to the lyrics carefully and understanding the meaning. To listen to them again and again is also important. Method 4 by Asakawa (1997) in Chapter One, “Listening to lyrics (filling up)” is one of the methods to improve the listening skill through songs.Speaking SkillIf the learners want to improve speaking skill by using English songs, it is important to learn expressions of English by lyrics and singing songs. People can practice singing a song and be a good opportunity to practice to pronounce English. In addition, the song’s lyrics include colloquial expressions so learners can learn expressions to use in a daily conversation. Method 5 “Reading aloud” by Asakawa (1997) in Chapter One is one of the methods to improve speaking skill with English songs.Vocabulary/ GrammarLearners can learn vocabulary or grammar from the song’s lyrics. English songs maybe include words or expressions that learners don’t know. If learners research about that and memory it, learners can improve their vocabulary or grammar. According to Question20 of the questionnaire, many subjects research the meaning of words when they can’t understand the meaning of lyrics (58.1%). These people are able to listening to music and learn new words. If they don’t research about that, they can’t learn new words. The method 2 “Introduction and establishment of words and grammar (語彙や文法の導入，定着)” by Asakawa (1997) on Chapter One is one of the method to learn vocabulary or grammar from music. According to Question 19, many subjects learn new words from English music (yes: 48.4%+sometimes yes: 29%=77.4%).OthersListening skill, speaking skill, vocabulary or grammar can be said the main effect of learning English through music but it is not only these three skills. Depending on methods, learners can improve other skills. For example, as the method 8 by Asakawa (1997, in Kadoyama 2001) on Chapter One, people can read lyrics and treat them as teaching materials. This method can improve reading skill. In addition, as the method 3 by Asakawa (1997, in Kadoyama 2001) on Chapter One, people can practice to making English composition using lyrics. In this way, there are many ways to utilize songs and the learners can improve many English skills.Research question3: What kind of music is good for English learning?Music selection is important for learners. There are many types of English songs. According to Question 14 of the questionnaire, Western pop or rock songs are easiest to understand. But, Heavy metal or Rap songs are difficult to understand the meaning.I asked the subjects to list songs that they think are easy to learn English (Question 21 of the questionnaire). According to these data, Disney songs are easy and 17 Disney songs were listed. Taylor Swift, One Direction, and The Beatles songs were also listed many times in the Appendix. As mentioned the part of ‘Discussion of results, Chapter Three’, these songs have some common points. According to these data, English songs with the following characteristics are good for English learning.The melody is not too fast but slow.Easy to understand the meaning of lyrics (word level is not too high).There are many texts to speak to like a conversation.There is no slang in lyrics.Words are pronounce clearlyFamous and familiar songs.3.5. Limitations of the Experiments There are several limitations with this study. Firstly, most of the subjects were female university students. There will be differences depending on the gender or age. I heard opinions only from 31 people and most of the subjects are females at Notre Dame Seishin University.Secondly, most subjects were in the English department. This means most of the subjects are studying English specially. Some people don’t like studying English and may have different opinions about English songs or English learning.3.6. Further researchMost of the subjects were university students and female so I would like to ask many types of people, for example, junior high school students, men, or people who are not good at English.I asked only students or members of society who were student until recently, so I want to ask a wider range of people.Conclusion In this study, we looked at the effect of learning English through music. Learning English through music seems to be effective for Japanese people and English songs are used in many English classes at school. There are many types of music, ways to use music, and several merits or demerits using English songs. The effects depend on the methods, and we learned people can change the method of learning depend on their skills and what they want to improve.ReferencesPapersAbrate (1983) In Kadoyama, 2001. Use of Music and Song in the Teaching of English -The development of a song-based textbook English with Hit Songs-, pp.10-12 Unpublished documentAsakawa (1997) In Kadoyama, 2001. Use of Music and Song in the Teaching of English -The development of a song-based textbook English with Hit Songs-, pp.10-12 Unpublished documentDubin (1974) In Kadoyama, 2001. Use of Music and Song in the Teaching of English -The development of a song-based textbook English with Hit Songs-, pp.10-12 Unpublished documentKadoyama, T. 2001. Use of Music and Song in the Teaching of English -The development of a song-based textbook English with Hit Songs-, pp.10-12 Unpublished documentMartin (1989) In Kadoyama, 2001. Use of Music and Song in the Teaching of English -The development of a song-based textbook English with Hit Songs-, pp.10-12 Unpublished documentZola & Sandvoss (1976) In Kadoyama, 2001. Use of Music and Song in the Teaching of English -The development of a song-based textbook English with Hit Songs-, pp.10-12 Unpublished documentWebsites洋楽を使った英会話の勉強法！具体的な学習手順やデメリットは？ Accessed August 3, 2017Akiko (2017)『洋楽で英語力をアップする方法とおすすめの楽曲』 Accessed August 3, 2017AppendicesAppendix I The Questionnaire Music QuestionnaireI accept that these data can be used for research*AgreeRejectName* (Short answer text)3. Age*-1617-1920-2223-4. Which way of learning English do you prefer?*SpeakingWritingListeningReading5. What is the most important do you think?*SpeakingWritingListeningReading6. Why?* (Long answer text)7. How many hours do you study English each week?*01~56~1011~1516~8. What kind of method do you study English? Choose as many as you like.*Reading English booksWatching movies in EnglishListening to foreign musicSpeaking to foreign people in EnglishMemorizing new English wordsTOEICUsing English learning applicationStudying grammarOther…9. Do you listen to foreign music?*Yes, all the timeYes sometimesNot oftenAlmost never10. Do you think listening to English music is effective for English learning?*YesNoMaybe11. Why do you think so?* (Long answer text)12. How often do you listen to English music each week? (○○minutes,○○hours)* (Short answer text)13. What kind of music do you listen to?*A lotsometimesnot oftenalmost neverRockJ popK popRapJazzBluesWestern pophip hopClassicalHeavy metalJapanese traditional musicInstrumental (no lyrics)Acapella (voice only)14. How easy or difficult to understand are these types of music in ENGLISH?*EasyNot so easydifficultVery difficultWestern popRockRapJazzBlueship hopHeavy metalAcapella (voice only)15. Was English music used in English class when you were in ...?*YesSometimesNoElementary schoolJunior HighSenior HighUniversity16. Do you remember those songs?*YesNoMaybe17. Did you understand the lyrics of the song?*YesNoMaybe18. Do you listen to music while reading the lyrics?*YesNoMaybe19. Do you learn new words when you study from music?*YesSometimesNo20. Do you research the meaning of words when you can't understand the meaning of lyrics?*YesNoMaybe21. Please write a list of which English songs (and artists name if you know it) you think are easy to learn English? (7~10songs). e.g. 'Yesterday' by the Beatles* (Long answer text)22. If you have anything else you wish to tell me about English learning and music, please write it here. (Long answer text)Appendix II The song preferences Please write a list of which English songs (and artists name if you know it) you think are easy to learn English? (7~10songs). e.g. 'Yesterday' by the BeatlesHey Jude' by the The BeatlesCall me maybe' by Carly Rae JepsenHey Jude by the Beatleswe are the world by Beatlesfight song by Rachel platten22 by Taylor SwiftI love you by Avril Lavignelove yourself by Justin Biebersee you againWhat makes you beautiful (One Direction)Let it go by Disney One Direction 'magic''Can you celebrateLet it go (Disney)belong with me (Taylor Swift)love story, mine (Taylor Swift)we are never getting back together (Taylor Swift)baby (Justin Bieber)love yourself (Justin Bieber)sugar (Maroon5)A whole new world (Disney)Under the sea (Disney)Part of your world (Disney)Beauty and the beast (Disney)A whole new world (Disney)Part of your world (Disney)I see the light Beauty and the beast (Disney)Let it go' by Frozen (Disney)'Live while we are young' by one direction'Emotion' by man with a mission'Fly again' by man with a mission'DOA' by shingeki no kyojin'Love is an open the door' by Frozen (Disney)'for the first time in forever' by Frozen (Disney)You belong with me by Taylor swift Part of your world by Ariel (Disney)Love story by Taylor swift 22 by Taylor swift 22 by TaylorRed by Taylor You belong with me by TaylorHistory of my life by One directionpower by little mixscared to be lonely by martin GarrixGood life by G-easyNew romantics by Taylor swift5days by Patrick Nuostay by ZeddKiss you by one directionPayphone by Maroon 5boom clap by Charlie XCXYou belong with me by Taylor SwiftWhat do you mean Justin Bieber Baby Justin BieberShape of you Ed sheeranYou belong with me Taylor SwiftWhat makes you beautiful One directionOne thing One directionUp all night One direction Try Everything' by Shakira'Stay' by Zedd'Beauty and the Beast' by Ariana Grande (Disney)'Symphony' by Clean Bandit'Country road''We are the world' by Michael JacksonWhatever by oasisWe are the world We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (Taylor Swift)Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae JepsenA Whole New World from Aladdin (Disney)Beauty And The Beast (Disney)Dancing Queen by ABBALet it be by the Beatles Let it go (Disney)"Call me maybe "Carly Rae Jepsenforgetalbum''purpose” by justin bieberInto' by Ariana GrandeJustin Bieber, Zedd, P!nk, DJ snake, etc...22 (Taylor Swift),you belong with me (Taylor Swift)I'm yours' by Jason Mraz'Bad day' by Daniel Powter'Let it be' by the Beatles'All you need is love' by the beatles'I don't want to miss a thing' by Aerosmith なしカーペンターズsing a song Thinking out loud' by Ed sheeran'Sugar' by Maroon5'Firework' by Katy perry'Marvin Gaye' by Charlie puth'Timber' by PITBULLtaylor-swift のshake it offOne-direction の曲は全部わかりやすいと思います！Smoke On The Water ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download