Puerto Rican music icon and symbol of American-Latino culture Bad Bunny will take the stage next February at Super Bowl LX, announced the NFL in late September. In this period of intense political partisanship, even the Super Bowl half time show has been placed under intense scrutiny. Yet for better or worse, Bad Bunny’s performance will have one benefit on its predominantly English speaking audience: specifically, it can illustrate the power of music to teach a language—a power used by many foreign language teachers.
Undoubtedly, many non-Spanish speakers will begin following Bad Bunny after the Super Bowl. As they continue to stream his songs, they might notice something; soon, they begin to remember and define certain words or phrases, adding to their Spanish vocabulary. This is not unique to Bad Bunny, and in fact, the ability to help students learn words in real-world applications makes it a powerful teaching tool employed by teachers at Saint Viator.
“I think it helps you remember.” Said Spanish teacher Mrs. Estela Vera-Holzman. “There is a lot of vocabulary, and without strategies to remember it, it’s too much.”
Some students have noticed the same benefit.
“I think it’s good because it can help you memorize stuff.” Said senior Maggie Craig.
It is important to remember, though, that music has many other benefits beyond just learning the language; it can also allow students to immerse themselves into the lifestyle and customs behind the sound.
“I think it’s good because it gives you better insight into the culture.” Said senior Matthew Brents.
From the halls of Saint Viator to classrooms around the world, music leaves a mark on those who listen to it, teaching them a little more about where it comes from. This will undoubtedly become visible next February at the Super Bowl. While some may not want him to run the show, it is certain that Bad Bunny will run the class—his class of knowing or unknowing Spanish students. And while he certainly is a Bad Bunny, and a controversial one at that, he might just be the good teacher Spanish students need.