Pronunciation at a glance Pronunciation at a glance | Page 9

Searching for new strategies to improve nonnative speakers’ pronunciation there have been found several
investigations that point out the use of English songs as a different instrument to achieve this goal. The fact
of adding music into the classrooms creates a better environment. Several advantages have been mentioned
on this matter.
Advantages
Boredom reduced
Increase student enthusiasm
Popular culture elements involved
Strength students’ memory such choruses, rhymes
and melodies which remain in the long term memory
Authentic information from the target language
Daily life language used
There are also disadvantages with this approach
Disadvantages
Pops songs are not scientific
Using songs suits better musical intelligence learners than the others
Inefficient sound systems
Type of music: if they do not like it they won’t pay attention
Embarrassing parts can’t be explained
Lack of grammar structure or complex grammar structure could confused students
Repetition of a limited number of words can caused boredom and it will be ineffective
How to select a song? Even though it has been mentioned that songs are a good source to teach
pronunciation, not every song works. Take into account the following aspects:
1- Classroom environment number, age and interest of students
2- Teacher (age, interest in music and purpose to use the song in the class)
3- Classroom facilities
4- Music (lesson plan and equipment: volume, source, etc.)
5- Content of the song