Is there a connection (联系) between music and language? According to recent studies, the answer is yes: Music improves certain language abilities in the brain. Here are two examples.
A recent study by researcher Kraus shows that playing a musical instrument can improve a person's hearing ability. In his study two groups of people listened to a person talking in a noisy room. The people in the first group were musicians, while those in the second group had no musical training. The musicians were able to hear the talking person more clearly.
The violinists develop their memories by playing the violin. When the violinists in an orchestra (管弦乐团) play with the group, they hear their own instrument and many others, too. But the violinists must listen closely to what they are playing, and pay no attention to the other sounds. In this way, musicians are able to focus on certain sounds, even in a room with lots of noise.
Schlaug, a doctor at Harvard Medical School, works with stroke (中风) patients. Because of their illness, these people cannot say their names, addresses, or other information normally. However, they can still sing. Schlaug was surprised to find that singing words helped his patients to speak. Why does this work? Schlaug isn't sure. Music seems to make different parts of the brain work, including the damaged (损坏的) parts. This might help patients to use that part of the brain again.
Music improves concentration (注意力), memory, listening skills, and our all language abilities. It can even help sick people get better. Playing an instrument or singing can help us do better in school and keep our brain sharp as we get older. Music is not only enjoyable, it's also good for us in many other ways.
