Correcting You’ re Your Grammar

This activity focuses on grammatically incorrect use of English in lyrics and raises awareness of the use of these forms in music.

Preparation

Select a song in which the lyrics include slang, reduced forms (gonna, wanna, gotta), or incorrect usage (He don’t love me) of English.

Procedure

1. Have students listen to the song and note the examples of slang, reduced forms, or incorrect usage of English. Be sure to only include those items that are included in the lyrics. 2. Play the song a few times for students. 3. Have students compare their lists of items. 4. Have students convert the English items into standard English.

Variations

Have students change the lyrics of songs to include slang, reduced forms, or incorrect usage. Students can also try to sing the new versions.

When to Use It

• To recognize common usage of English in music • To practice discrete listening

Level

Skills

Practice

Materials

Lyrics

Preparation Time

10–20 minutes (depending on whether you need to type the lyrics)

Activity Time

10–45 minutes — if students are going to rewrite the lyrics

Possible Resources

Sing Out Loud: Traditional Songs https://americanenglish.state.gov/resources/singout-loud-traditional-songs Sing Out Loud: Children’s Songs https://americanenglish.state.gov/resources/singout-loud-childrens-songs