Target language: Korean
Level: intermediate and advanced
Objective addressed: Communicating and expressing thoughts and emotions through writing song lyrics in the target language while maintaining the rhyme and rhythm
Summary: This songwriting project combines narrative writing and music composition. Students write their own lyrics and use Suno, an AI music composition tool, to create melodies by selecting and customizing elements such as genre, tone, voice, tempo, and instrumentation. This process emphasizes student agency, ensuring that AI serves as a supportive tool rather than leading the creative process. Beyond language practice, the project allows students to engage deeply with cultural content, make artistic decisions, and create authentic musical narratives. Through composing and refining their lyrics, students develop narrative skills and strengthen linguistic and creative expression. Their engagement with K-pop and other musical genres fosters exploration of cultural products, practices, and perspectives, deepening intercultural understanding. Student reflections highlight the project’s impact on language learning, creativity, and cultural awareness.
Language teachers can utilize AI tools like Suno to transform student-written lyrics into music, enhancing engagement while maintaining student autonomy. Ultimately, the project extends beyond traditional “learning by doing,” demonstrating how AI can enrich musical composition while fostering authentic and meaningful language learning experiences.