The Influence of In-Class Musical Exposure on Reading Proficiency and Vocabulary Development in Early Second Language Learning: A Synthesis and Research Proposal

Abstract

This literature review investigates the relation between musical exposure on the one hand and second language vocabulary acquisition and reading development among young learners on the other. It has been acknowledged that musical intelligence positively affects first language reading development, but little is known about its relation to second language reading development. With regard to vocabulary acquisition, it has been found that music has a positive effect on working memory, which is of high importance in vocabulary acquisition and retrieval, but mixed empirical results are found. Additionally, the interface between vocabulary and reading development is under investigation. In order to fill current literary gaps, an interventional research proposal is formulised and a lesson plan provided. A close investigation on methodological issues surrounding investigational research and a survey with 19 different respondents provided preliminary data that substantiate the choices made in the proposal. If positive effects were to be found when this study is conducted, more musical exposure in Dutch primary educational curricula would be encouraged.