Do you like music? Music is a big part of everyday life, but it’s more than just sound and rhythm. It tells stories, shares emotions, and shows who we are. Today’s article is one of those great texts in English that helps you learn while discovering the deep connection between music, culture, and identity.
A Brief About Culture
Culture includes traditions, beliefs, language, food, clothes, and values that a group of people share. It shapes how people live and think. Culture can be found in families, communities, countries, and even online spaces. And one of the strongest parts of any culture is music.
What Is Identity?
Identity is who you are. It includes your name, language, nationality, religion, personality, and experiences. Music often reflects identity because it shows how people feel, think, and express themselves. Through music, we connect with our roots and with others.
How Music Reflects Culture
Music is a reflection of cultural values and history. Here are some examples:
-
Folk Music: Often tells stories about the past, nature, and daily life. It helps people remember traditions.
-
Religious Music: Reflects beliefs and is used during ceremonies or prayers.
-
National Anthems: Represent pride and unity in a country.
-
Traditional Instruments: Each culture has its own sound. For example, the sitar in India, the kora in West Africa, or the bagpipes in Scotland.
Music and Language
Many texts in English are found in song lyrics. Songs help people learn a language, practice pronunciation, and remember vocabulary. For example, listening to The Beatles or Taylor Swift can improve your listening skills while teaching you cultural expressions.
In countries where English is not the first language, English songs still have a big influence. Young people learn about English culture and slang through music.
Music Tells Stories
Some songs tell personal stories, others talk about social problems or history. Music becomes a voice for people. Here are a few examples:
-
Blues Music (USA): Came from African American communities, expressing pain, sadness, and hope.
-
Reggae (Jamaica): Talks about freedom, peace, and justice.
-
K-Pop (Korea): Combines fashion, identity, and youth culture.
-
Hip Hop (USA and worldwide): Gives voice to urban culture, identity, and challenges.
Music and Emotions
Music helps people express feelings when words are not enough. A song can make you feel happy, sad, strong, or relaxed. Different cultures use music to express emotions in different ways:
-
In Brazil, samba music brings joy and energy during Carnival.
-
In Japan, soft melodies often express calm and respect.
-
In Ireland, ballads tell emotional stories of love and loss.
Cultural Identity in Global Music
Today, music travels fast. A song created in Nigeria can become a hit in the U.S. People mix sounds from different cultures. This is called fusion music.
Even though music goes global, many artists keep their cultural identity strong:
-
BTS sings in Korean and English, representing Korean culture worldwide.
-
Shakira mixes Latin sounds with pop, keeping her Colombian roots.
-
Ed Sheeran uses Irish folk influences in modern pop.
This mix shows how music keeps culture alive while adapting to new times.
Music and Daily Life
We hear music everywhere — at home, at work, on the street, and in movies. It marks special events:
-
Weddings: Traditional songs are played based on the culture.
-
Funerals: Music is used to remember and honor the person.
-
National Holidays: Patriotic songs create a sense of unity.
Even the music you choose when you’re studying, driving, or relaxing says something about your mood, values, or cultural background.
Learning Through Music – Why It Helps
If you’re learning English, music is a great tool. Here’s how:
-
Listening Practice: Songs help train your ear to understand natural English.
-
Vocabulary Growth: Repetition in music helps you remember new words.
-
Cultural Understanding: Lyrics and music styles give you a window into English-speaking cultures.
Reading texts in English that talk about music can deepen your learning. You not only practice English but also understand how music shapes society.
Music Connects Us All
Music is more than entertainment — it’s part of who we are. It connects people, shares emotions, and keeps cultures alive. Whether you’re learning English or exploring new cultures, music is a powerful guide.
So next time you listen to a song, think about the culture behind it. Explore more texts in English about music and discover how rhythm, melody, and lyrics help us understand the world — and each other.
Practice Time!
Start the quiz and answer these simple questions to practice your listening skills.
Practice your English skills by watching the video bellow. Watch it with and without subtitles, and try to understand everything that is said.
Vocabulary
| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Culture | Traditions, values, and behaviors shared by a group |
| Identity | The way a person sees and describes themselves |
| Folk Music | Traditional music passed down through generations |
| Lyrics | The words of a song |
| Anthem | A formal song of celebration or pride |
| Emotions | Feelings like happiness, sadness, anger |
| Fusion Music | A mix of musical styles from different cultures |
| Global | Worldwide, across all countries |
| Influence | Power to change or affect something |
| Celebration | A special event or activity to show happiness or honor |
