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.
Most language teachers have found that songs are an invaluable tool. The lyrics help students learn vocabulary and see grammatical rules in practice. Some songs also expose students to slang. Listening to the songs are a great way of getting used to the sounds of the language and to different regional accents as well.
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.
The music of Cuba is another great choice for you if you're not very proficient in the language yet. One song you'll simply have to learn, since it's indelibly linked to Cuban identity, is 'Guantanamera' with its easy-to-remember words. Another good choice is to listen to the songs made famous in 'The Buena Vista Social Club'.
The Spanish spoken in Spain is a little more complicated to understand. However, as you progress, you may want to try songs from the country where the language originated. A good choice is the music of Manu Chao, since his songs are generally very simple.
If your language skills have started to improve, you may want to try accents that are more challenging. Argentinians and Chileans have distinctive accents that can be difficult even for native speakers from other parts of Latin America. Therefore, it's best to listen to songs from the folk movement known as the Nueva Cancion. Its most famous singer was the brilliant Argentinian singer Mercedes Sosa, whose greatest hit, 'Gracias A La Vida', was written by the Chilean 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.
Most good record stores will have music in Spanish but you'll find a wider variety online. For the words, you can consult the CD sleeve or go to lyrics websites. Some sites will even include a translation in English but it's best to try translating the words yourself first as a way of practicing your skills.
Most language teachers have found that songs are an invaluable tool. The lyrics help students learn vocabulary and see grammatical rules in practice. Some songs also expose students to slang. Listening to the songs are a great way of getting used to the sounds of the language and to different regional accents as well.
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.
The music of Cuba is another great choice for you if you're not very proficient in the language yet. One song you'll simply have to learn, since it's indelibly linked to Cuban identity, is 'Guantanamera' with its easy-to-remember words. Another good choice is to listen to the songs made famous in 'The Buena Vista Social Club'.
The Spanish spoken in Spain is a little more complicated to understand. However, as you progress, you may want to try songs from the country where the language originated. A good choice is the music of Manu Chao, since his songs are generally very simple.
If your language skills have started to improve, you may want to try accents that are more challenging. Argentinians and Chileans have distinctive accents that can be difficult even for native speakers from other parts of Latin America. Therefore, it's best to listen to songs from the folk movement known as the Nueva Cancion. Its most famous singer was the brilliant Argentinian singer Mercedes Sosa, whose greatest hit, 'Gracias A La Vida', was written by the Chilean 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.
Most good record stores will have music in Spanish but you'll find a wider variety online. For the words, you can consult the CD sleeve or go to lyrics websites. Some sites will even include a translation in English but it's best to try translating the words yourself first as a way of practicing your skills.
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