Music and Language

In her Exchange article "Early Brain Development Research Review and Update," Pam Schiller notes new thinking on the link between music and language...

"Linguists, psychologists, and neuro-scientists have recently changed their long held opinion about the relationship between speaking and singing.  The latest data show that music and language are so intertwined that an awareness of music is critical to a baby’s language development.  As children grow, music fosters their communication skills.  Our sense of song helps us learn to talk, read, and even make friends. 

"Brain areas governing music and language overlap.  Music and language have much in common.  Both are governed by rules and basic elements (word and notes).  In language, words make phrases, which combine to make larger phrases and eventually sentences.  In music, notes combine and grow to form a melody.

"The neurological ties between music and language go both ways;  a person’s native tongue influences the way he perceives music.  The same progression of notes may sound different depending on the language the listener learned growing up.  Speakers of tonal languages (most Asian languages) are much more likely than Westerners to have perfect pitch.  All languages have a melody that is unique.  Infants echo the inherent melodies of their native language when they cry, long before they speak."

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