La lingua musicale e il suo ritmo: una proposta di utilizzo dell’nVPI nella pratica didattica L2/LS

Abstract

Neuroscientific and linguistic studies have identified correlations between musical rhythm and linguistic prosody, using tools such as the nVPI (Normalized Pairwise Variability Index) to analyse rhythmic similarities between language and music. This article examines the application of nVPI in L2 teaching, with experiments involving a small group of Chinese-speaking students. By proposing melodies calibrated to the rhythms of Italian, English, and Chinese, it was observed that adapting the melody to the linguistic rhythm enhances memorisation and vocabulary acquisition, as well as improving listening skills. Conversely, significant differences between the natural rhythms of languages and music appear to hinder the process. The research concludes by emphasising the need to explore the role of linguistic tone in the design of future musical teaching approaches.