The Magic of Popular Songs： A Case Study of Music Mediated Early Language Development.doc

The Magic of Popular Songs： A Case Study of Music Mediated Early Language Development 　　This article reports on an ethnographic study of the acquisition of language skills of a Chinese young girl. Using the notion of playful learning and mediation theory as theoretical framework， this inquiry explores how the experiences of Chinese popular songs in the domain of home contribute to children’s language learning. Through an examination of the music participation of the Chinese young girl， this study reveals what language skills are fostered， and in what ways these language skills are developed. The language skills developed through music participation are reflected in print-based language tasks. It is suggested by the study that popular songs be integrated into family language education as one of the myriad ways that household supports children’s early language development. 　　Key words： Popular songs； Mediation； Playful learning； Early language development 　　WANG Kelu （2013）. The Magic of Popular Songs： A Case Study of Music Mediated Early Language Development. Canadian Social Science， 9（3）， -0. Available from： http：///index.php/css/article/view/j.css.1923669720130903.1125 　　DOI： http：///10.3968/j.css.1923669720130903.1125. 　　INTRODUCTION 　　Parents are often reminded that if they read to their children every night， their children will grow up to be readers， tend to love literature， and most likely experience academic success in school. There are many studies to back up the claim that reading to children has a positive effect on reading achievement and language ability later in life （Crain-Thoreson Dale， 1992； Edwards， 2004； Morrow， 2001； Wells， 1985）. For instance， bed time reading is an indicator of children’s language development and cognitive styles （Heath， 1982）. Storytelling has a predictive value on the development of children’s narrative production as one facet of children’s language development （Stavans Goldzweig， 2008）. Hence， parents are encourage