The Close Link between Language and Music

It is a well-known fact that the relationship between music and the sound of speech must involve the music of the language which, like language, functions on two axes: one is horizontal and concerned with sequences, and the other is vertical and permits the production, selection, and availability of sounds and phrases. There is, indeed, a close link between the phonic system of a language and the structure of its music, and this can be shown by comparing both systems. The present chapter explores music, and songs in particular, to demonstrate the placement of word stress, syllable structure, metrical structure, and various prosodic features which are components shared by the two domains. For example, introducing the rhythm of English and suprasegmental features in both the linguistic and musical descriptions of a sentence/utterance or lyrics line may bring to light relevant aspects of both areas. Also, this text seeks to broaden our understanding of the phonology of English and expand upon the correlation between the musical and linguistic systems, and may contribute to supplying foreign learners of English with specific and perceptual reference points.