Today’s post joins English language learning with a passion for music. It’s written by our friend Alice Morell, creator of MyMusicBox.org. It’s titled “Who Knew Madonna Could Teach English?” because Alice uses 3 Madonna songs to make an English lesson! Comment below with any questions or comments for Alice.
Madonna Says: Express Yourself!
Copyright JStone
Music—it truly is a doorway to many of life’s mysteries. More than just words, it carries with it the unspeakable language of emotion. The sort of experiential information that can only be exchanged by making another feel as you have. We all know how deeply that kind of emotion can seat something within us, after all, the memory of heartbreak stays with us forever, as does the elation of love. By that same mechanism music can help cement language in our minds by speaking to our hearts.
Just like we have to learn the ABC’s of love, every language has some form of alphabet song to help people learn the foundations of a language, and the reasons for that are those we’ve already discussed! So for now, we’re going to take a walk with Madonna down the path of a girls coming of age story, and the troubles and trials she finds. On the way, we’ll improve our English skills and listen to some great 80’s music!
For the song Material Girl, Madonna conveys the message that it’s just time to play and have fun. If boys want to spend their money on her, she’ll let them! The song is light-hearted and upbeat, and its lyrics are clearly understood, which makes it an excellent piece to practice your pronunciation with repetition!
In the song Like A Prayer, Madonna finds a guy that stands out from the rest. Suddenly he’s not the one pursuing, and he becomes the material girl’s newest desire. Suddenly she actually cares, and it’s not just about the money, or the toys, or the fun. This one speaks to her soul, and what a great tale to continue learning English with! We’ll follow her thoughts as she pines over her angel, his every word, look, and feeling with just Like A Prayer. This song’s steady beat and fun lyrics will be a joy to sing along with while you find a new language to describe YOUR prayers in.
Sometimes we make decisions out of passion rather than logic. Madonna and her angel are starting a family, accidental or not, and all she can do is beg her father “Papa don’t preach” as she confesses the reality of her situation. She’s standing up to her father, and asking him for his blessing for her, her angel, and her baby to be a part of his family, but makes it clear it’s just a formality, because she’s keeping her baby! This is a common tale told across three songs, and once you’ve learned all three songs you’ll be able to sing that story yourself! In English!
Have you ever used songs to help you learn a language? If so, which ones? Feel free to let me know in the comments-hopefully we’ll all be able to learn something! This article was brought to you courtesy of Alice Morell here, straight from the Big Apple. Here’s hoping you find this article useful to your language learning process! Feel free to check out my blog at: http://mymusicbox.org/ for hot news straight from the world of music, or follow me on Twitter.
Happy learning and good luck! 🙂
Alice
