How music can help employees learn a new language: top 10 singers to combine with corporate French courses

23 Feb 2024

In today's interconnected world, multilingual proficiency is increasingly valued in the professional sphere. With businesses expanding globally, the need to communicate effectively in more than one language becomes a strategic asset. 

One of the languages on trend for businesses to learn right now is French. Considered the language of diplomacy and commerce, more and more companies are encouraging their employees to learn it in order to establish more robust international relationships, expand their market reach, and foster stronger connections with French-speaking clients and partners.

At the moment, there’s an innovative method that 's gaining traction in enhancing language learning and that forward-thinking companies are already using: the integration of music into corporate language courses. In this article, we explore how music can amplify language acquisition efforts and introduce ten singers whose melodic contributions can complement any company’s French learning process. 

Benefits of combining music with corporate French courses

Among the chief virtues of incorporating music into French language studies is its propensity to enhance concentration and memory retention. Reflecting on childhood pedagogy, wherein mnemonic devices like songs expedite alphabet and color acquisition, we discern a parallel efficacy in adult language acquisition. The melodic cadence of music fosters sustained focus, facilitating the assimilation of linguistic constructs. Studies, such as those conducted at Stanford University, corroborate music's cognitive benefits, illuminating its role in fortifying attentional faculties and bolstering memory consolidation.

By immersing oneself in French musical compositions, learners not only optimize study sessions but also imbibe grammatical intricacies, expand vocabulary, and refine pronunciation. Whether through whimsical nursery rhymes or emotive ballads, the lyrical tapestry of French music engenders a multisensory learning experience, enriching linguistic acuity in the process. Thus, corporate French courses (livexp.com/corporate-french-training) will be more effective for employees when combined with the regular practice of listening to French music.

Music also serves as an invaluable tool for refining accent and pronunciation. While genres like rap or heavy metal may pose challenges due to their rapid tempo, slower-paced French compositions offer an ideal milieu for phonetic refinement. By emulating vocalists and articulating lyrics, learners hone their diction, internalize grammatical nuances, and cultivate an authentic French cadence.

Furthermore, exposure to colloquial expressions inherent in song lyrics enriches vocabulary, fostering a deeper understanding of French culture and idiomatic conventions. This way, the amalgamation of linguistic immersion with musical engagement engenders a holistic approach to language acquisition, wherein cultural fluency parallels linguistic proficiency.

Top 10 singers to listen to when learning French

1. 1.Edith Piaf: known as the "Little Sparrow" of France, Piaf's emotive ballads offer a captivating introduction to French pronunciation and expression.
2. Stromae: this Belgian singer-songwriter infuses his music with poignant social commentary and catchy rhythms, providing learners with contemporary insights into French culture and language usage.
3. Françoise Hardy: with her ethereal voice and poetic lyrics, Hardy's songs serve as a melodic gateway to French vocabulary and grammar.
4. Charles Aznavour: renowned for his storytelling prowess, Aznavour's narrative-driven songs offer valuable linguistic context and reinforce listening comprehension skills.
5. Zaz: infused with jazz and gypsy influences, Zaz's energetic melodies and playful lyrics inject a sense of joy into language learning endeavors, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
6. Serge Gainsbourg: a provocative icon of French music, Gainsbourg's eclectic repertoire challenges learners to grapple with complex themes and linguistic nuances, enriching their cultural understanding along the way.
7. Indila: with her soulful voice and evocative lyrics, Indila's music immerses learners in the contemporary French music scene, providing a modern perspective on language usage and expression.
8. Christine and the Queens: blending pop, electronic, and R&B elements, Christine and the Queens offer a fusion of styles that mirrors the diversity of the French language.
9. Jacques Brel: hailing from Belgium, Brel's theatrical performances and evocative storytelling offer learners a masterclass in French intonation, rhythm, and emotive expression, enhancing their oral communication skills.
10. Vanessa Paradis: with her sweet melodies and poetic lyricism, Paradis' music offers a melodic escape into the realm of French language and culture, providing learners with a serene backdrop for linguistic exploration.