The Connection Between Language and Music: How Music Facilitates Language Development

In humans, there is a strong connection between language and music. Research has shown that music is a prelinguistic communication strategy, meaning that it can be used for communication before language is fully developed (Brandt, Gebrian, & Slevc, 2012; Gardner, 1993; Howle, 1989; Krashen, 1992; Loewy, 1995). According to Howard Gardner (1993), musical intelligence is the first intelligence to emerge in human development, even before verbal-linguistic intelligence. This suggests that musical skills play a crucial role in facilitating language development and the language acquisition process. Musical knowledge is so important that it has been argued that "without the ability to listen to music, it is impossible to learn to speak" (Brandt et al., 2012, p. 1). This highlights the significance of music in the early stages of language development. Music engages various cognitive processes, such as auditory perception, pattern recognition, and memory, which are also essential for language learning. By engaging these cognitive processes, music can help children develop their language skills and enhance their overall language acquisition abilities. Furthermore, music provides a multisensory experience that can stimulate and engage different areas of the brain. This multisensory stimulation can enhance language processing and comprehension. For example, rhythm and melody in music can help children develop a sense of timing and phrasing, which are important aspects of language prosody. Additionally, the repetition and structure in music can help children recognize patterns and sequences, which are fundamental to language syntax and grammar. Research has also shown that music can improve phonological awareness, which is the ability to identify and manipulate the sounds of language. This is a crucial skill for reading and spelling. By engaging in musical activities, such as singing and playing instruments, children can develop their phonological awareness and improve their language skills. In conclusion, the close connection between language and music suggests that music can play a significant role in facilitating language development. By engaging various cognitive processes and providing a multisensory experience, music can enhance language processing, comprehension, and overall language acquisition abilities. Therefore, incorporating musical activities into language learning and development programs can be beneficial for children's language skills and overall cognitive development.