English through songs

[Jailbird]

Hello everyone!
I came across an amazing thing! I found out that Englsh can be learnt through listening to songs (or something like that). In fact, I`ve never met such a thing. Could you tell me a bit more about it??? I`d like to try it with my pupils :)))
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Your Jailbird

[Torsten]

Jailbird,

Learning English through listening to English songs is probably one the many methods you can try and apply. But be careful: You should select songs with lyrics that are written in proper English. Especially in European countries a lot of pop songs are made by people who don't speak English well themselves. Germany is such a country. Most German pop music makers produce their songs in English and of course the vast majority of their German listeners don't care about the lyrics at all. For example, there is that German pop trio called «Mr President». Their biggest hit goes like this: «....Put me up, put me down, put my feet back on the ground, put me up, put me down and make me happy». To be honest, I think this just awful language.
By the way: I've noticed that in Russia and the Ukraine there are so many groups that make songs in Russian and they carry a message. It's very good when a nation develops and maintains its own pop culture, don't you think??

TOEIC listening, photographs: A florist

[Terminator]

Hi ! Why awful! "Put me up, put me down...."
easy to memorize!!!!
Terminator :evil:

[Jailbird]

Hi Torsten!
Well, speaking about the songs and the grioups: which one could you suggest??
And about Russian groups: what did you mean by saying "carry a message"-having some sense??? I`m going to dissapoint you for there`s such a project in Russian called "The Factory". I don`t know exactly what they do there but as a result there come new singers & groups out... It must have been good BUT! This singers are so talentless....and their songs are so senseless that people like me who enjoy real music just become crazy when they hear the sounds of these stupid songs!!! By the way, all the radio-stations broadcast mostly these songs!!! There used to be good russian songs (at the times when my Mum & Dad where young themselves), but now...something terrible is happening... And some singers try to sing in English..that`s even more terrible...Speaking frankly, the cultural life in Russia is even worse then just simply bad!!!!
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Your Jailbird

[Jailbird]

[Torsten]

Hi Jailbird,

Where did you get that funny picture you are using as your Avatar?
Regarding good songs — of course this is a question of taste and style. I like songs that make me think about the lyrics, that's what I mean by carry a message. Music can have a very strong impact on people. You hear a song, you like the music and the lyrics go into your head where they influence your thinking through your subconscious mind. That's why it's important to select the «right music» — you decide what you want to listen to any why.
It's interesting that you classify the music your parents used to listen to as good. I'm quite sure that your generation is capable of making good music too. After all, music is good as its listeners' taste, isn't it?

TOEIC listening, photographs: Holding a package

[Naufragis]

hi torsten,

looking at all the articles you've written again and aigain I'm impressed about your diplomatic style- have you ever thought about becoming a diplomat?

[Kat]

Hi! What about RAP? Do you like Rap, Torsten?

[Jailbird]

[Torsten]

[Torsten]

[Kat]

ONLY IF IT'S GOOD

[Torsten]

[Naufragis]

dear torsten,

my first avatar reads "No Thinking". It's time to change in a more personal expression in my presence.

[Torsten]

Aha, I thought I could only see the word «thinking» but then it might have been only a thought ...

TOEIC listening, photographs: Among the dunes