Using Rap Songs in EFL Classrooms

Abstract

The use of rap songs in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) to young adult learners through different approaches is noteworthy to investigate due to their popularity and rich authentic language. Although the use of rap songs is exemplified and used in ESL (English as a second language) contexts, teaching English through rap songs is a topic that has not been investigated thoroughly within the Turkish EFL context yet. This may be due to the fact that rap songs also contain negative use of language and themes that are not suitable for educational use. Therefore, as a defense for the educational value of rap songs for EFL teaching, this review study focuses on reasons for using rap songs in teaching EFL contexts based on the literature. Besides, to provide practical ideas for the effective use of rap songs in teaching English to adult EFL learners, the following issues are addressed: (1) Selection criteria for finding suitable rap songs for language teaching purposes, (2) Practical suggestions to design engaging rap song-based lessons for different proficiency levels, (3) Samples of extracurricular activities that can be applied in English language preparatory programs. Keywords: Rap songs, songs in ELT, teaching young adults.