AIRS 3rd Annual Conference: 2011
Title: The benefits of singing on second language learning
Author: Arla Good (Ryerson University)
Presentation format: Poster
Sub-themes: 2.3: music cognition

Introduction
The current study extends to second language learning the popular notion that memory for text can be
supported by song. In the context of a second language classroom, singing can be intrinsically motivating,
attention focusing, and simply enjoyable for learners of all ages. For native text, the melodic and rhythmic
context of song enhances recall of text (Wallace, 1994). However, there is limited evidence that these
benefits extend to learning of foreign text.
Method
In this study, Spanish-speaking Ecuadorian children learned a novel English passage for two weeks.
Children in a sung condition learned the passage as a song and children in the spoken condition learned the
passage as an oral poem. After the third learning session, children were asked to reproduce the passage in
the method in which they were taught (sung or spoken) while reading the lyrics and were tested on their
ability to correctly pronounce the foreign words. After the fourth session, children were tested on their
ability to recall verbatim as many of the words as possible and they were asked to translate 10 target words
(or terms) from the passage into Spanish.
Results
As predicted, children in the sung condition demonstrated superior verbatim recall. In addition, their
pronunciation of vowel sounds and translation success were enhanced. The benefits of learning through
music persevered after a six-month delay.

Discussion
Findings have important implications for second language instruction. The poster will also consider
mechanisms such as dual encoding and automatic rehearsal that may be responsible for the gains observed
in learning second language through song.
Bio
Arla Good graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an honours BA in Psychology. She is
currently pursuing her graduate studies in the SMART (Science of Music, Auditory Research, and
Technology) lab at Ryerson University with an excitement to combine her knowledge of psychology with
her enthusiasm for music. Her past experiences working with children with neurological disorders have
lead her to focus her energy researching the many ways music and singing can benefit children.