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The Interplay between Musical and Linguistic Aptitudes: A Review
Riia Milovanov1, Mari Tervaniemi
1Department of Music, University of Jyväskylä Jyväskylä, Finland.
Frontiers in Psychology
|November 30, 2011
Summary
Musical training enhances second language skills by improving pronunciation and brain responses to sound. Years of music practice can reshape linguistic organization and brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Music Cognition
Background:
- Brain organization is adaptable and influenced by training, such as musical or linguistic practice.
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between musical aptitude and second language (L2) abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the connection between musical aptitude and second language skills.
- To explore how musical training modulates brain organization and linguistic functioning.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing neuropsychological tests.
- Employing brain imaging measures.
- Analyzing existing research on musical training and L2 acquisition.
Main Results:
- Higher musical aptitude correlates with improved L2 pronunciation and chord discrimination.
- Musical practice is associated with enhanced brain activation to musical stimuli.
- Long-term music practice may alter linguistic organization and hemispheric function.
Conclusions:
- Musical aptitude and L2 abilities are significantly related.
- Music practice offers a potential pathway to enhance L2 learning and cognitive functions.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand the neuroplastic effects of music training.
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