Second fiddle: People who play instruments are more likely to pick up a second language, research shows
It is always impressive when someone speaks a second language or can play an instrument well.
Research now shows that the two may be linked, as people with musical talent are more likely to be fluent in a foreign dialect.
Scientists came to this conclusion after analyzing sixty studies that examined the relationship between playing an instrument and speaking a second language.
And they said their findings could indicate that incorporating music into the classroom could somehow improve students’ chances of learning foreign grammar or perfecting their accent.
The researchers from the University of Maryland in the US published their findings in the journal Royal Society Open Science.
They wrote: ‘In our multicultural and interconnected world, the ability to learn new languages is important.
‘However, there are significant differences in how successfully adults can learn aspects of non-native languages.
‘Some have difficulty distinguishing between non-native sounds and producing them at the desired level, while others achieve native-like proficiency.
Research shows that people with musical talent are more likely to be fluent in a foreign dialect (file image)
Scientists came to this conclusion after analyzing 60 studies that assessed the relationship between playing an instrument and speaking a second language (file image)
‘In summary, the current meta-analysis provides evidence that musical skills are indeed positively, albeit modestly, related to second language learning outcomes across a variety of participant populations and methodologies.
‘These findings fit well with the idea that recording music in classrooms or participating in musical activities could aid the perception and production of non-native sounds.’
The team added that further research is needed to determine whether musical skills can be “transferred” to second language learning.
They said one possibility is that more musical individuals may have an advantage during the early stages of learning a second language due to the more accurate perception and production of foreign sounds.
Previous studies have also shown that playing a musical instrument across the lifespan has been linked to better brain health in older adults.
Scientists from the University of Exeter reviewed data from more than a thousand adults aged 40 and over. Including how much experience they had with music and their brain health.
They found that playing an instrument – specifically the piano – is linked to improved memory and mental processes related to planning, focus, remembering and juggling tasks.