Susanna Zaraysky: The Author and Linguist Who Learned 8 Languages with Music

# Language Is Music: How Susanna Zaraysky Learned 8 Languages with Songs - Introduction - Hook: Imagine learning a new language by listening to your favorite songs and singing along. - Thesis: This is the method that Susanna Zaraysky, a polyglot and author of Language Is Music, used to learn 8 languages with excellent accents. - Preview: In this article, we will explore who Susanna Zaraysky is, how she discovered her musical approach to language learning, what are the benefits and challenges of learning languages with music, and how you can apply her tips and resources to your own language journey. - Who is Susanna Zaraysky? - Background: Born in the Soviet Union, moved to the US at 3, learned English with Sesame Street and American pop songs. - Education: Studied international relations and economics at university, worked as a journalist and translator. - Languages: Speaks English, Russian, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Ladino, and Serbo-Croatian. Has studied 11 languages in total. - Books: Wrote Language Is Music in 2009, translated into Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian. Also wrote Travel Happy, Budget Low and Language Is Music for Kids. - How did she discover her musical approach to language learning? - Inspiration: Noticed that she could imitate the accents and intonation of singers better than speakers. - Experimentation: Started listening to music in different languages and singing along with lyrics. Also watched TV shows, movies, and podcasts in target languages. - Results: Improved her pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and cultural knowledge. Became fluent in several languages without formal classes or tutors. - What are the benefits and challenges of learning languages with music? - Benefits: - Music is fun, engaging, and memorable. It activates multiple parts of the brain and helps with retention and recall. - Music exposes you to authentic language use and cultural expressions. It helps you develop a sense for the rhythm, melody, and emotion of a language. - Music is accessible and affordable. You can find songs in any language online or offline, for free or low cost. You can listen to music anytime and anywhere, with or without lyrics. - Challenges: - Music is not enough by itself. You still need to practice speaking, reading, and writing in your target language. You also need to learn grammar rules and exceptions that may not be evident in songs. - Music may contain slang, idioms, metaphors, or poetic devices that are not common or appropriate in everyday speech. You need to be aware of the context and meaning of the lyrics you are listening to or singing. - Music may vary in quality and accuracy. You need to choose songs that are suitable for your level and goals. You also need to check the lyrics for errors or mistranslations. - How can you apply her tips and resources to your own language journey? - Tips: - Choose songs that you like and that match your interests, level, and goals. Listen to different genres and artists to get a variety of styles and vocabulary. - Listen actively and attentively. Try to understand the main idea and details of the song. Look up unfamiliar words or expressions. Repeat the song until you can sing along without looking at the lyrics. - Use music as a supplement to other language activities. Listen to music before or after a lesson, a conversation, or a reading session. Use music as a background noise while doing other tasks. Use music as a trigger for memory or motivation. - Resources: - Language Is Music book: Contains over 100 tips and 100 free or low-cost internet resources for learning languages with music. Available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian. - Language Is Music website: Offers more tips, resources, videos, podcasts, interviews, and testimonials about learning languages with music. - Language Is Music YouTube channel: Features videos of Susanna Zaraysky singing in different languages and explaining her method. - Conclusion - Summary: Learning languages with music is a fun, easy, and effective way to improve your skills and enjoy the process. Susanna Zaraysky is a living proof of this method and a source of inspiration for language learners around the world. - Call to action: If you want to learn more about Susanna Zaraysky and her musical approach to language learning, check out her book, website, and YouTube channel. And don't forget to listen to some music in your target language today! - FAQs - Q: How many languages does Susanna Zaraysky speak? - A: She speaks 8 languages: English, Russian, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Ladino, and Serbo-Croatian. - Q: How long does it take to learn a language with music? - A: It depends on many factors, such as your level, goals, motivation, and time. But generally, you can expect to see some improvement in your listening and pronunciation skills within a few weeks or months of listening to music regularly. - Q: What are some examples of songs that are good for learning languages? - A: Some examples are: - English: I'm Yours by Jason Mraz, Don't Stop Believin' by Journey, Imagine by John Lennon - Spanish: La Bamba by Ritchie Valens, Despacito by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, Vivir mi vida by Marc Anthony - French: La Vie en Rose by Edith Piaf, Je veux by Zaz, Papaoutai by Stromae - Italian: Volare by Domenico Modugno, Con te partirò by Andrea Bocelli, L'Italiano by Toto Cutugno - Portuguese: Garota de Ipanema by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, Ai Se Eu Te Pego by Michel Teló, Mas que nada by Sergio Mendes and Black Eyed Peas - Ladino: Adio Querida by Yasmin Levy, Morena by Flory Jagoda, Durme Durme by Sarah Aroeste - Serbo-Croatian: Moj dilbere by Safet Isović, Zajdi zajdi by Ansambl Biljana, Lijepa li si by Thompson - Q: How can I find lyrics for songs in different languages? - A: There are many websites and apps that provide lyrics for songs in different languages. Some examples are: - LyricsTranslate: A website that allows you to search for lyrics in various languages and see translations in other languages. - Musixmatch: An app that syncs lyrics with music from Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and other platforms. It also shows translations and definitions for some words. - Genius: A website and app that provides lyrics and annotations for songs in various genres and languages. - Q: How can I find conversation partners who share my musical interests? - A: There are many online platforms and communities that connect language learners who share common interests. Some examples are: - Tandem: An app that matches you with native speakers of your target language who want to learn your native language. You can chat, call, or video call with them and exchange tips and resources. - Italki: A website that allows you to find professional teachers or informal tutors for any language. You can also join groups and forums to discuss topics related to language learning and culture. - Reddit: A website that hosts thousands of subreddits (communities) for various topics and interests. You can join subreddits related to language learning (such as r/languagelearning) or music (such as r/music) and interact with other users.

Language Is Music Susanna Zarays

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