One of the most widely spoken languages in the world is Spanish. Even an Anglophone country like the United States now has a huge Hispanic population and being able to speak to these people in their own language will not only make communication easier but will also help create mutual respect. If you're embarking on a journey of learning the language, you'll find that Spanish song lyrics can make the process much more fun.
Using songs as a tool for learning a new language is a great idea. They expose you to a variety of accents and to tune your ear to the sounds of that particular language. Moreover, they help you to learn new words and understand the grammar and songs are normally much easier to remember too.
At first, it's best to listen to slow songs in a clear accent. This is why the music of Mexico is a great choice. Styles such as ranchera are slow and the Mexican accent isn't difficult. Jose Alfredo Jimenez and Chavela Vargas are the foremost ranchera singers but if this style of music isn't for you, you may also try the ballads of Lila Downs or Mexican superstar Marco Antonio Solis.
Another country with easy songs to learn or to listen to is Cuba. 'Guantanamera' is this country's most famous song and is a very easy one to understand. However, the slower styles made famous by the Buena Vista Social Club's musicians are an excellent choice too.
In Latin America, the dialect spoken in Spain is referred to as Catalan. It's a little more difficult to understand if you're not very good at the language yet. However, you may want to try listening to the very popular songs of Manu Chao, whose lyrics tend to be quite simple, with catchy tunes.
Among the most difficult Spanish accents are those from Argentina and neighboring Chile. Some people who have been speaking the language as their mother tongue even have trouble understanding Argentinians and Chileans. However, these countries have produced some excellent songs and you may want to try those from the Nueva Cancion folk movement. Mercedes Sosa, who was from Argentina, was a superstar of this genre and for a great source of new words, try her hit 'Gracias A La Vida', which was composed by the Chilean poet and singer Violeta Parra.
Over time you may want to explore other, faster styles of music. You'll find every kind of genre, from rock to hip hop and reggae, in Spanish. If you prefer Latin rhythms, try listening to the music of artists that play merengue or cumbia. You can also try artists from different countries, including the Guatemalan Ricardo Arjona, the Nicaraguan Perrozompopo or the Colombian Juanes, as well as the Spanish-language songs of mainstream stars such as Ricky Martin, Shakira and Enrique Iglesias.
You may be able to find CDs with Spanish songs, especially in record stores in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods. Even easier will be to download numbers from the internet. CD sleeves often contain the lyrics to the songs or you'll find specialty websites that can provide you with the words. They may even have the English translations alongside the original words, but try to do the translations yourself first to test your skill.
Using songs as a tool for learning a new language is a great idea. They expose you to a variety of accents and to tune your ear to the sounds of that particular language. Moreover, they help you to learn new words and understand the grammar and songs are normally much easier to remember too.
At first, it's best to listen to slow songs in a clear accent. This is why the music of Mexico is a great choice. Styles such as ranchera are slow and the Mexican accent isn't difficult. Jose Alfredo Jimenez and Chavela Vargas are the foremost ranchera singers but if this style of music isn't for you, you may also try the ballads of Lila Downs or Mexican superstar Marco Antonio Solis.
Another country with easy songs to learn or to listen to is Cuba. 'Guantanamera' is this country's most famous song and is a very easy one to understand. However, the slower styles made famous by the Buena Vista Social Club's musicians are an excellent choice too.
In Latin America, the dialect spoken in Spain is referred to as Catalan. It's a little more difficult to understand if you're not very good at the language yet. However, you may want to try listening to the very popular songs of Manu Chao, whose lyrics tend to be quite simple, with catchy tunes.
Among the most difficult Spanish accents are those from Argentina and neighboring Chile. Some people who have been speaking the language as their mother tongue even have trouble understanding Argentinians and Chileans. However, these countries have produced some excellent songs and you may want to try those from the Nueva Cancion folk movement. Mercedes Sosa, who was from Argentina, was a superstar of this genre and for a great source of new words, try her hit 'Gracias A La Vida', which was composed by the Chilean poet and singer Violeta Parra.
Over time you may want to explore other, faster styles of music. You'll find every kind of genre, from rock to hip hop and reggae, in Spanish. If you prefer Latin rhythms, try listening to the music of artists that play merengue or cumbia. You can also try artists from different countries, including the Guatemalan Ricardo Arjona, the Nicaraguan Perrozompopo or the Colombian Juanes, as well as the Spanish-language songs of mainstream stars such as Ricky Martin, Shakira and Enrique Iglesias.
You may be able to find CDs with Spanish songs, especially in record stores in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods. Even easier will be to download numbers from the internet. CD sleeves often contain the lyrics to the songs or you'll find specialty websites that can provide you with the words. They may even have the English translations alongside the original words, but try to do the translations yourself first to test your skill.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar