Tanauchi Moe (Nagoya City University, Japan)
Taichi Sakai (Nagoya City University, Japan)
Kubota Koyuki (Nagoya City University, Japan)
Mayumi Kajiura (Nagoya City University, Japan)
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the impact of background music on second language learning, specifically examining the effects of music with lyrics, music without lyrics (instrumentals), and silence on two learning styles: word memory and long-text reading comprehension. Despite extensive research, the relationship between background music and language learning remains inconclusive (de Groot & Smendinga, 2014). Our findings reveal that background music with lyrics significantly impairs both word memory and long-text reading comprehension, whereas background music without lyrics and silence show minimal differences in effect. Notably, background music's impact was more pronounced in word memory tasks than in long-text reading. It appears that music disrupts concentration during word memory exercises, where focus shifts frequently, while long-text reading, requiring sustained attention, is less affected by background music. These results suggest that the type and presence of background music can differentially influence language learning outcomes based on the nature of the task.
Student Showcase: Research Paper (Video; 15 minutes)
Reading
Primarily of interest to teachers of university students
About the Presenters
Moe Tanauchi is a student at Nagoya City University, majoring in international language and culture. She is particularly interested in second language acquisition and conducts research in this area. Her interests also include the relationship between second language acquisition and background music.
Taichi Sakai is a student at Nagoya City University, majoring in international language and culture. He is particularly interested in second language acquisition and conducts research in this area. His interest is vocabulary acquisition with illustration.
Koyuki Kubota is a student at Nagoya City University, majoring in international language and culture. She is particularly interested in second language acquisition and conducts research in this area. Her interests also include the efficacy of rote learning through writing and sight methods.
Mayumi Kajiura is an associate professor at Nagoya City University, specializing in second language acquisition. Her focus is on examining listening learning from a neuroscience perspective. She is particularly interested in multimodal learning.
