How does art help in teaching foreign language?

11/27/23

Second language acquisition is a multifaceted process that extends beyond syntax, grammar, and vocabulary. Learning a new language also entails being acquainted with the cultural and social situations in which that language is spoken. Learning a new language can be difficult if children have additional stress due to social, integrating, or cultural challenges. Art, in all its forms, may help learners acquire a second language by exposing them to the cultural and historical elements of the target language.

Art is a significant part of cultural legacy worldwide, and it may help with learning in various areas, including native or second language.

Visual and performing arts, such as paintings, music, theatre, and dance, can provide insight into the target language's culture and history. Artistic expressions have been a component of human civilization since the dawn of time, profoundly ingrained in each society's history and customs. 

Visual arts can play an essential part in language acquisition by visually representing linguistic concepts. They can assist learners in understanding new vocabulary and grammatical structures in a concrete and memorable manner. 

Furthermore, art may assist learners in strengthening their language abilities in various ways. Analysing an artwork or an artefact in the target language, for example, can help learners improve their vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension abilities. Also, because learners may be required to work in groups and engage with others via dialogues and role-plays, performing arts may be utilised to build listening and speaking abilities.

Teachers may benefit from introducing art into second language education in a variety of ways, including:

  • Creating bridges between written and spoken language.
  • Make learning exciting and meaningful.
  • Assist pupils in developing self-esteem.
  • Encourage creativity,
  • Draw attention to parallels and differences, particularly cultural ones.
  • Improve your analytical, thinking, and questioning abilities.
  • Improving kids' abilities to see, respond to, and portray the world.

Finally, art may help and improve second language learning by offering students cultural, historical, and linguistic information. Educators should use art in their language teaching practises to provide pupils with a more immersive and exciting learning environment. As a result, learners will have a better knowledge of the target language and its cultural surroundings, which will lead to more successful language learning.