Does Musical Aptitude Influence Language Ability? A Multivariate Approach

The purpose of this study is to investigate which areas of music aptitude can be used to predict language ability. A multivariate regression analysis was used. The Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) and the Jake Mandell Music Tests (JMMT) were the instruments used to judge the music and language aptitudes of 204 participants. The results showed that there are statistically significant relationships between the variables of each test, most notably the rhythm test and audio-visual music intelligence test. One of the major implications of this study revolves around a relatively new approach to second language acquisition; dynamic systems theory. This study points at neurolinguistics to help future researchers answer the difficult questions revolving around language acquisition, as well as where language and music is processed in the brain.