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'.
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.
As you become more proficient, it's time to challenge yourself with faster songs. You'll soon be belting out the words while dancing to cumbia, reggae, merengue or rock. Some good rock musicians to try are Ricardo Arjona from Guatemala, Perrozompopo from Nicaragua and Juanes from Colombia. You can also look for the Spanish-language work of Marc Anthony, Shakira, Enrique Iglesias or Ricky Martin.
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.
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'.
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.
As you become more proficient, it's time to challenge yourself with faster songs. You'll soon be belting out the words while dancing to cumbia, reggae, merengue or rock. Some good rock musicians to try are Ricardo Arjona from Guatemala, Perrozompopo from Nicaragua and Juanes from Colombia. You can also look for the Spanish-language work of Marc Anthony, Shakira, Enrique Iglesias or Ricky Martin.
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.
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