Abstract
In the process of foreign language acquisition, students can face various obstacles, which can prevent them from achieving the desired goal. English pronunciation is traditionally considered one of the most challenging issues, which require special approach and teaching techniques to tackle. Teaching English language using popular songs appears to be a very effective method as songs provide students with plethora of pronunciation patterns they can master in an effective and at the same time enjoyable way. Moreover, music influences students' feelings thus developing their emotional intelligence, ensure relaxed atmosphere in the classroom, thus motivating them to learn various aspects of English language. Another indisputable argument for using songs and music in the process of EFL/ESL teaching is that these two notions have a lot in common. Both language and music have acoustic parameters like pitch, duration, stress and intonation. Having analyzed the research works of domestic and foreign scholars and practitioners, it was concluded that popular songs can be used to practice all language skills – grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening, writing and most importantly, pronunciation skills. It is clear that inadequate phonetic interpretation of the vocal text can cause deviation from the original (authentic) content and result in total misunderstanding or spoilt aesthetic perception of a song. In the process of mastering pronunciation with vocalists, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of vocal speech too. The article focuses on the methodological value of popular songs in the development of phonetic abilities in students majoring in music arts. The article also outlines the difficulties students face in the process of honing phonological skills such as certain consonant sounds and diphthongs as well as connected speech and provides the methodological approach to using songs in the classroom. It is strongly advised that language instructors carefully select the songs, taking into account many factors such as the students' level of English, age, and interests, as well as the complexity of the songs and their rhythm. It is recommended to follow a certain sequence of activities when working on the song material in order to facilitate the process of improving pronunciation of English sounds
Highlights
There is no denial that songs is an invaluable source in teaching English language as they can be used for a variety of purposes: developing pronunciation skills, boosting vocabulary, practicing speech skills, teaching the cultural peculiarities of the country of the target language, as well as to developing grammatical skills
The usage of popular music in the process of foreign language acquisition has a number of indisputable advantages, which make this resource really valuable for all participants of the learning process
The use of the song allows to strengthen the motivational factor in teaching a foreign language, to increase the interest of students in the study of any material, which can contribute to the successful solution of psychological issues related to foreign language learning
Summary
There is no denial that songs is an invaluable source in teaching English language as they can be used for a variety of purposes: developing pronunciation skills, boosting vocabulary, practicing speech skills, teaching the cultural peculiarities of the country of the target language, as well as to developing grammatical skills. The following sequence is musical presentation of the song (students analyze and discuss musical peculiarities of the song - melody, rhythm, character, mood, tonality, etc.); (making sure students understand the meaning of the lyrics); phonetic development of the song lyrics; re-listening to a song - work based on text (visualization of text using video or pictures); reading the text of the song with further development of sounds and intonation, work based on the lyrics of the song (completing related tasks); learning in the process of joint performance of a song using a phonogram, staging a song, selection of additional visual materials Introducing this lesson structure and the recommendations helps increase the efficiency of using songs significantly. If the choice of a song does not follow these principles, potentially it cannot be very useful
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