The Socio-Pragmatic Role of Songs in the L2 Classroom

Abstract

In recent years, the field of second language acquisition has highlighted the teaching of culture, emphasizing that culture and language influence each other. In this relationship, songs are one expression of culture. As such, they are worthy to be included in the L2 classroom. Their importance is given not only because of the meaning of their lyrics, but also because of the value of the music per se. This paper explores how to use songs as a pedagogical resource to favor the understanding of L2 culture and pragmatics in Spanish and English L2 settings. Songs foster multicultural connections and enhance social intelligence, two key elements to raise students’ communicative competence in a globalized world.