The Effect of Music on English Speech Perception in Non-Native Speakers: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Non-native English speakers often struggle to recognize and produce accurate pronunciation due to differences between their native phonological systems and English. This study investigates the potential impact of music on English speech perception among ESL learners at private schools in Karachi, Pakistan. Using a quasi-experimental design, pre-and post-tests were administered to 20 students following a ten-day music intervention featuring phonologically rich content. The results revealed statistically significant improvements in speech recognition and pronunciation, particularly in perceiving minimal pairs, correcting word stress, and articulating difficult consonants and vowels. The findings underscore the pedagogical value of integrating music into ESL instruction and address a critical research gap in Pakistan, where empirical studies on music and pronunciation are limited. This research offers actionable insights for educators and policymakers aiming to enhance language acquisition through innovative, learner-centred strategies.