Skip to main content
Log in

Adopting a musical intelligence and e-Learning approach to improve the English language pronunciation of Chinese students

  • Original Article
  • Published:
AI & SOCIETY Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study investigates the use of musical intelligence to improve the English pronunciation of Chinese third level students. It is relevant for a human-centred systems engineering approach to cross-cultural interaction. Language learning is important as valid communication can help interactions and cultural understanding between countries, this also may benefit international stability. There are natural barriers between the English and Chinese language which are reflected in teaching approaches. The teaching of English in Chinese classrooms is removed from real-world English learning environments. The academic environments and approaches focus on the learning of grammar, spelling and writing with little real-life conversation and interaction with native English speakers. English language learning in China is from a more academic perspective rather than practical utilisation. Correct pronunciation and accent is therefore diminished. This study demonstrates that a musical intelligence e-Learning approach can benefit Chinese English language students.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adhikari S (2011) Current trends in e-Learning. Available at: http://elearningconcepts.wikispaces.com/Current+Trends+in+E-Learning. Accessed at 8 Mar 2011

  • Brick J (2004) China: a handbook in intercultural communication. Macquarie University, Sydney

    Google Scholar 

  • Butzlaff R (2000) Can music be used to teach reading? J Aesthet Educ 34:3–4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eufrocina L, Paulcoto M (2008) Common errors in English (words mispronounced)—ESL lesson. [Online] available at: http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/lessons/index.pl?read=910 (accessed at 16th Mar 2011)

  • Fisher D (2001) Early language learning with and without music. Read Horiz 42(1):39–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Frith U (1985) Beneath the surface of developmental dyslexia. In: Patterson KE, Marshall JC, Coltheart M (eds) Surface dyslexia. Lawrence Erlbaum, Hove, pp 301–330

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardner H (1983) Frame of mind: the theory of multiple intelligences. Basic Books, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardner H (2000) Intelligence reframed: multiple intelligences for the 21st century. Basic Books, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Ginsburgh V (2005) Languages genes, and cultures. J Cult Econ 29:1–17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guglielmino LM (1986) The affective edge: using songs and music in ESL instruction. Adult Lit Basic Educ 10(1):19–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris CD (2001) English as international language in geography: development and limitations. Geogr Rev 91(4):675–689

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors (public version) (2009) Available at http://www.ielts.org/PDF/UOBDs_SpeakingFinal.pdf (accessed at 15 Sept 2011)

  • Le Breton M, Weber S (2003) The art of making everybody happy: how to prevent a secession. IMF staff papers 50(3):403–435

  • Logsdon A (2010) Musical learning styles—understanding musical learning styles. Available at: http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/resourcesreseach/qt/musical_learner.htm (accessed 22 Dec 2010)

  • Mills S (2001) The role of musical intelligence in a multiple intelligences focused elementary school. Int J Educ Arts 2:4

    Google Scholar 

  • Moreno S (2009) Can music influence language and cognition? Contemp Music Rev 28(3):329–345

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oh CH (2003) Information communication technology and the new university: a view on e-Learning. Ann Am Acad Polit Soc Sci 585:134–153

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oxford University Press (1991) The concise Oxford dictionary. BCA, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Quast U (1999) The effect of music on acquiring vocabulary with technically gifted students. Gifted Educ International 14(1):12–21

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richard-Amato PA (2003) Making it happen: from interactive to participatory language teaching, theory, and practice, 3rd edn. Pearson Education, White Plains

    Google Scholar 

  • Salcedo C (2010) The effects of songs in the foreign language classroom on text recall, delayed text recall and involuntary mental rehearsal. J Coll Teach Learn 7(6):19–30

    Google Scholar 

  • Shoebottom P (2011) The difference between English and Chinese. [Online] available at: http://esl.fis.edu/grammar/langdiff/chinese.htm (accessed at: 20 Oct 2010)

  • Sloboda JA (1990) Music as a language. In: Wilson FR, Roehmann FL (eds) The biology of music making: proceedings of the 1987 Denver conference. MMB Music, St. Louis, pp 28–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith MK (2002) Howard Gardner and multiple intelligences, the encyclopedia of informal education. Available at: http://www.mfed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm (accessed 27 Dec 2010)

  • Stokes J (2008) The effects of music on language acquisition. CELE J 16:23–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallace WT (1994) Memory for music: effect of melody on recall of text. J Exp Psychol Learn Mem Cogn 20(6):1471–1485

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang S (2007) Teaching English as a second language in China/Enseignement De L’anglais Comme La Seconde Langue Etrangere En Chine. Can Soc Sci 3(3):106–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Yeh A (2005) New dawn in a shared language: the ascent of English part 2: China: many more Chinese are learning English to further their opportunities, driving the market for education, says Andrew Yeh. Financial Times, 13th, April, p 12

  • Zhao BH (2010) How to enhance cross-cultural awareness in TEFL. Cross Cult Commun 6(2):100–104

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Luqi Wu.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Wu, L., McMahon, M. Adopting a musical intelligence and e-Learning approach to improve the English language pronunciation of Chinese students. AI & Soc 29, 231–240 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-013-0479-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-013-0479-6

Keywords

Navigation