Lyrics from Popular Songs and Rhyme to Enhance the ESL Learner’s Proficiency in English Language
Mary Thomas
Dr. Mary Thomas, Professor, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University, Madhuravoyal, Chennai (Tamil Nadu), India.
Manuscript received on 10 February 2019 | Revised Manuscript received on 06 April 2019 | Manuscript Published on 28 April 2019 | PP: 186-190 | Volume-7 Issue-5C February 2019 | Retrieval Number: E10450275C19/19©BEIESP
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: The recent winning of the Nobel Prize for literature by Bob Dylan, a songwriter and lyricist inspired the writing of this article. It has always been a dormant idea in my mind to use lyrics to get children interested in learning the English Language. The acknowledgement of lyrics as a form of literature reinforced my conviction of the power of the written and spoken Word and its effect on its listeners. Being an experienced teacher of English language I have always adopted an eclectic approach to the teaching of Language; deciding on the most suitable technique and applying the most appropriate methodology to achieve learner’s specific objectives, learning style and context. English language learning is a process that fits the method to the learner not the learner to the method. We should as teachers of language opt for new trends that are more eclectic and humanistic in nature, which deals with emotions in the mind of the learner. We can use technology and the audio linguicism to capture the attention of the learner. The teaching of English and the imbibing of a language should be inherently and predominantly communicative. The most innate fact underlying the mastery of a language is to make learning it an enjoyable experience. Language cannot be taught but should be imbibed. We the teachers of English should be the facilitators helping children imbibe the English Language. The doorway to a new enriching experience, the window to the world through which the learner can explore and express his or her innate dreams and desires. The importance of the spoken word is something that I have always reiterated in all my classes of training and language learning. We must focus on the need to teach it in a more creative manner through lyrics of popular rhymes and songs that not only touch the mind but also every aspect of the life of prospective learners. It is an enjoyable and fun-filled method of imbibing the nuances of a Language. Without a doubt, it transforms the uninterested student to an eager participant in the activity of learning and imbibing and enriching himself and herself. I am a believer in the Power of the Word and its capacity to transform something mundane to lofty heights. That has been my mission statement from the beginning of my English teaching career that has spanned around twenty-five years of my life.
Keywords: Lyrics, Songs, Rhymes, Written and Spoken Words, Language Acquisition, Eclectic Approach, Audio Linguicism, Humanistic Approaches, Communicative Language Teaching.
Scope of the Article: Natural Language Processing