English or Foreign Language Songs?

Foreign Music from Sincerity Girls Ensemble

When I first started singing, I would always prefer singing English songs because it was easier for me to learn the song since it was easier to read. As I continued to take singing lessons, my teacher started teaching song in different languages such as Spanish, Italian, French, etc. At first I was scared to learn them because I wasn’t able to read the lyrics since I didn’t know the language. But as the years went on, I found that learning more international songs helped me in my singing career. When I learn a new song, I would prefer to learn an English song rather than a foreign song. 

Learning a song in a different language can be really complicating, especially if you know nothing about that language. When you first learn a new foreign song, you have to make sure you know the words and how to correctly pronounce them. Not only do you need to know how to pronounce them, but you also have to know what they mean. If you don’t know what it means, then it will be harder to sing because you don’t know how to express the song. According to Benny Lewis, there are 7 reasons on why you should sing in foreign languages: 

• Music connects across cultures and can break down barriers.
• Getting to know the music is getting to know the culture and language.
• Learning the lyrics of a song helps you expand your vocabulary and teach you some slang/typical phrases.
• Singing can actually help you reduce your foreign-sounding accent.
• You can use music and singing to help you learn to speak simple basic essential phrases to get by in a language much quicker.
• You can take music with you anywhere and learn and practice it on the move thanks to your MP3 player / mobile phone, making sure you listen carefully to the words
• You can really enjoy yourself by singing and it helps to improve your mood.

When people first start to sing, they would prefer to sing English songs since they already know the language. Because many of us already speak English, they would think singing in English would be just as easy because it is easier to understand. When you sing English songs, it is easier to relate to the song because it is easier to find a connection with the song.

When I learn a new song, I would rather learn in English because it is easier for me to understand. Because singing is all about expressing yourself, I find it easier to express myself with an English song rather than a foreign song. I love to learn foreign songs in order to learn more about other cultures, but if I had to choose what song I would learn next, I would choose an English song. 

If you were to perform a song, would you rather sing in English or any foreign language?