Singing Along to Multicultural Songs
With the rise of technology and globalization, the earlier you get started teaching your children about other cultures the better. The easiest way to start these lessons is through music.
Mental Stimulation for You and Your Child
Whether or not you are proficient in other languages, these songs will give you and your child something to learn together. Unlike a lot of songs that children sing without paying attention to the lyrics, these multicultural songs will draw both your child and you into another world. Spend some time looking up the lyrics and their translations, then use gestures and acting to help clue your child in on what is going on.
Variety of Lessons
Multicultural songs do so much more than simply providing a source of amusement, yet it doesn't feel like work.
Most of us learn Frere Jacques, but did you know that the English translation is actually out of order with the original song, and even the name we use, John, is an incorrect translation? Going back to the song's original language will help develop a better understanding of the language.
When it comes to songs like Guten Abend, Gute Nacht, most of us have never even heard of it. However, with a little bit of research, you can teach yourself some of the very basics of German greetings.
Of course a number of the songs are in English but provide an interesting look into different cultures like Once an Austrian Went Yodeling.
For those long car rides, there are even counting songs to expand your child’s horizons or just plain fun songs, like La Bamba. The songs are short and easy to learn. With the lyrics available in the native language, you should be able to help your child learn a little bit more than through singing alone.
An Unexplored Gold Mine
Turn singing and dancing to something that is a lot more fun. If you can stimulate your child’s interest in other cultures and languages now, you will be giving them a distinct advantage as they grow, as well as teaching them how much fun learning can be. It can prove to be the basis of a better understanding of others as well as an interest in learning about the world around them.