How Music Supports Language Learning and Baby Brain Growth. Have you ever wondered if music can speed up your newborn’s language learning process? It may sound strange, but science suggests that there is a deep connection between music and language. If you introduce your baby to music from an early age and start giving him a basic understanding of music, he can learn language faster.
How are language and music related?
It may surprise you to know that the process of learning language and understanding the basics of music is almost the same. When a newborn is born, he does not understand the meaning of words, but he starts recognizing his parents’ voice and its inflection. In this early stage, conversation is more of a creative sound and rhythm than words, which express emotions.
What happens at the age of three to six months?
When the baby is three to six months old, he starts experimenting with his sounds. Sometimes he screams loudly, sometimes coos sweetly, sometimes shouts loudly, and sometimes makes sounds like sweet laughter. All these sounds gradually turn into “babbling”, that is, sounds that sound like speech but are not words. These sounds include rhythm, repetition and harmony, which later lay the foundation for learning language.
Is language learning a natural process?
Yes, language learning is a natural process for a normal child. Children automatically start absorbing language from their surrounding environment, especially from their parents and caregivers. But, if music is added to this process, then this process can become even more fun and effective.
What does scientific research say?
In an interesting research conducted at the University of Washington, 9-month-old children were divided into two groups. The first group was played a waltz (a kind of rhythmic music) in the background while playing. Whereas, the second group was allowed to play without any music.
After 12 sessions, the brain responses of children from both groups were recorded. Children who were exposed to music were found to have more developed brain abilities to recognize patterns and predict rhythm. Both of these abilities are very important in learning language.
Not just listening, playing is also important
In the conclusion of this research, scientists said that just listening to music can also be beneficial, but if the child is actively involved in music – like playing drums, clapping or shaking a tambourine – then the results are even better. Playing music activates those parts of the brain that help in learning language.
That is, if you encourage your child to sing songs, give him musical toys, or clap in rhythm with him, then you are actually preparing his brain to learn language.
What can you do at home?
Now the question arises, what can a normal parent do at home to help their child learn language through music. Below are some simple tips:
- Play music – Play soft and rhythmic music in your home every day, especially while playing or sleeping.
- Sing – Sing songs to your baby yourself. Your voice is the most special to him.
- Play with rhythm and beats – Clap, tap your feet, or give your baby musical toys.
- Use repetition – Repeat the same sounds or songs over and over again, so that the baby understands rhythm and patterns.
- Musical games – Combine language and music together through ‘clapping games’, or rhymes.
Does it work for every child?
Every child is different, but it has been found that most normal children have the ability to develop language understanding through music. Music can be a natural, fun and effective way to start, especially for children who are lagging behind in speech.
Conclusion
Music is not just entertainment, it is also a wonderful teaching tool. Your baby’s brain has the ability to pick up sounds and rhythms from birth. When you engage him with music, you not only enhance his hearing and recognition power, but also lay the foundation of language.
So the next time you play with your baby, don’t just give him toys — give him a drum, a rattle or any small musical instrument. This small step can give a big leap to his communication skills.Music hides language, and language hides life. Gift your child this sweet beginning.
