A Study on Musical English
Abstract
In recent years there has been renewal of interest in Musical English with this fast-growing intercultural society. While much previous research has focused on positive effects of learning English through songs and dramas, very little is known about those through musicals. It is thought that learning English through musicals will be more interesting and effective than just through songs or dramas. The purpose of this study is to investigate positive features of learning English through musicals. The first part of this paper addresses characteristics of Musical English and many well developed theories which explain the merits of learning English through songs and dramas. The second part deals with students’ interest about Musical English examined through questionnaires. Two questionnaires were administered to different two groups. One is administered to 27 students before and after the class who participated in the real musical English class for performance. The other is to 30 students asking about general expectancy and interest toward Musical English. The results indicate that Musical English is a powerful tool for learning English because it accompanies related kinetic behavior. Interestingly, common merits on drama and songs are also pointed out which enable students to have powerful motivation, interest, and confidence in learning English. According to the result of surveys, these merits are all applied to musicals. Musicals keep the balance between dramas and songs. When dramas get boring, musicals give them interesting songs. When songs need a story, musicals show them a script.