this post was submitted on 21 Feb 2024
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I would not recommend using music to learn a language, especially if the lyrics don't stick in yr head easily (which IMO is basically its only advantage). The lyrics normally do not contain everyday vocabulary and/or grammar, it's just not useful for communication. It is, however, often helpful for forming some sort of "emotional bond" with the target language, increasing motivation to dig deeper into it. It can also give you a better access to its specific, well, musical qualities. But then, just the bare spoken (not sung) sound of it can accomplish that just as well, if you're willing to listen. Music will not help you get along with everyday tasks, improving communications, talking about yourself and other subjects, participating in discussions etc. Intentfully listening to spoken text/conversations is far more effective for that - even more so if it's authentic (not scripted, not produced for recordings, read by actors etc)
music is how I learnt most of the Spanish. it's not that I only listen to music. I watch small shows, videos, memes, do courses on language learning apps, visit Spanish-speaking forums, talk to Spanish speakers, etc.
but music has indeed played a much bigger role in my journey, I'd say. also, when I listen to music, I have translations opened in another tab(I usually use lyricstranslate website for this).
and the Spanish music that I listen to is reggaeton, which isn't very musical, let's just say, haha. it's just spoken Spanish with autotune.
I have to say I learned both english and portuguese mainly through listening and singing music while reading the lyrics. I also use these tools when teaching English students, and have found them to be very successful. Of course you should complement with engaging in conversations, writing, etc. But for me, music is the number one resource when learning a new language.