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.
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.
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.
Other countries with challenging accents include Chile and Argentina. Even native speakers can have trouble understanding people from these nations. To get used to the sounds, you'll want to start with slower folk ballads such as those from the Nueva Cancion movement. The foremost singer of this movement was Mercedes Sosa from Argentina and one song not to miss is the poignant 'Gracias A La Vida', her biggest hit, which was written by Violeta Parra from Chile. It's a great song for picking up new vocabulary.
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.
CDs of Spanish music are available at good record stores, most notably where there is a large Hispanic community. The CD sleeves often contain the lyrics to the songs. Another option is to find songs online and go to a lyrics website for the words. Some sites will also provide translations of the words.
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.
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.
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.
Other countries with challenging accents include Chile and Argentina. Even native speakers can have trouble understanding people from these nations. To get used to the sounds, you'll want to start with slower folk ballads such as those from the Nueva Cancion movement. The foremost singer of this movement was Mercedes Sosa from Argentina and one song not to miss is the poignant 'Gracias A La Vida', her biggest hit, which was written by Violeta Parra from Chile. It's a great song for picking up new vocabulary.
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.
CDs of Spanish music are available at good record stores, most notably where there is a large Hispanic community. The CD sleeves often contain the lyrics to the songs. Another option is to find songs online and go to a lyrics website for the words. Some sites will also provide translations of the words.
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