In the last part of my research phase, I want to search for inspiration in other disciplines. Language education is a discipline that can easily be compared to music education, and I believe that there are several different touchpoints that could influence my approach to the topic.
Before the 20th century, language teaching methodology could be divided into two different groups (Celce-Murcia, 2011, p. 1):
- Focus on using a language (speaking and understanding)
- Focus on analyzing a language (learning the grammatical rules)
This division can also be shown in language education today.
One of the most famous language teachers in the 17th century was a Czech methodologist with the name Jan Comenius (Celce-Murcia, 2011, p. 2). Between the years 1631 and 1658, he published several different books describing his teaching techniques. Five of these were the following:
- Use imitation instead of rules to teach a language
- Have your students repeat after you
- Use a limited vocabulary initially
- Help your students practice reading and speaking
- Teach language through pictures to make it meaningful
Similarities
Both language and music are fundamental forms of communication used globally. When analyzing the different disciplines, one will find surprisingly many similarities. In addition to evoking emotions, connecting people and being used to tell stories, both language and music are based on the use of sound and rhythm (Owens, 2023). Sounds are used to create words connected in a rhythmic pattern in sentences. For instance, difference in the tone of voice in a statement versus question makes an important effect. To learn how to speak a language fluently, one would need to adapt to the sounds and rhythms used. This helps to convey meaning and emotion in the sentences.
Language and music are also similar in terms of structure. Grammar and syntax are used to structure words in the same way as musical notation is used to structure melodies. Both disciplines require the ability to understand the meaning of symbols and signs. This makes it possible to express and perform complex thoughts in a clear and organized manner.
What can we learn from language education?
In the beginning of this blog post, I listed two different approaches to language education. Throughout these studies, I have understood that music education can be divided into two similar groups:
- Focus on making music (experimenting and improvising)
- Focus on theoretical background (following the rules)
Personally, I find the first approach more fun and appealing. But I also believe that to become a good musician, a combination of these is to be preferred. Music theory should work as guidelines, but it is important not to underrate the effect of experimenting and improvising. Both to develop musical skills and having fun while doing it.
Lastly, I would like to translate Jan Comenius teaching techniques in language education. I find them meaningful, and believe a translated version could be used as framework in music education:
- Encourage students to learn through experimenting
- Make students repeat sounds and rhythms without looking at notation
- Start with simple scales without too many sharps or flats
- Assist students actively while playing
- Find songs that excite and encourage the students
References
Celce-Murcia, M. (2011). Language Teaching Approaches: An Overview. Retrieved from https://t.ly/Bt5VD
Owens, A. (2023). EXPLORING THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN LANGUAGE AND MUSIC. Retrieved from https://www.tlctranslation.com/exploring-the-similarities-between-language-and-music/
