“Can you speak English/French/Chinese etc.” is an important phrase, especially when you get stuck. So over on the members’ beta test forum I’ve just put up the new “Do you speak English?” Song. I wrote it in France last year, and just finished the recording this afternoon and I think it sounds pretty good! What do you think?
The full lyrics are:
Can you speak English? Yes, yes I can.
Can you speak English? Yes, yes I can.
Can you speak English? Yes, yes I can.
Can you speak English? Yes, yes I can.
Can you speak French?
Can you speak Chinese?
Can you speak Spanish?
Can you speak Japanese?
(Repeat Chorus)
Can you speak Arabic?
Can you speak Russian?
Can you speak German?
Can you speak Korean?
The reason for including so many countries is so that the kids not only learn “Do you speak…?” with their own language (which is super useful and I hope I’ve included yours, apologies if not!), but kids also get the contrast between English where they speak at least a little, and say something like say Russian where they may not know nothing at all. Putting your language abilities in contrast like that really helps your confidence with your English speaking, it’s a huge confidence boost.
If you want to try it out in class, head over to the forum and download the mp3. If you need country flags then Wikipedia is probably your best choice e.g. Spain for Spanish.
I am wondering which flag to use for Arabic though. Maybe Saudi Arabia? Is there a more appropriate one?
The song fits in well after Where are you from? and probably before I can do it and Can you kick?
Anyway enjoy the song, and let me know what you think!
Update: After writing and singing the phrase “can you speak…?” a million times today, I’m beginning to think “Do you speak…?” would have been the better choice. What do you think?
Earn More From Your Passion For Teaching English!
Richard, thank you so much for making another great song!! I will teach this song to students who have learned names of countries by Where are you from? song. I also think this song is perfect for 6th graders who are graduating in two months(in Japan). It would be great to sing together “Can you speak English? Yes, I can!” This song is going to be a graduation present, that is, confidence.
I love the song Richard! It’s very “cheery” and “hip”; a melody that you keep singing afterwards!
I like the fact that you don’t sing anything after the other languages giving the students a chance to sing and answer either “yes I can” or “no I can’t”. Then they can have more confidence by singing that they can speak English!
Great job!! 🙂
Wow,Richard,
a great song again;
lyrics and music!
AND I think “CAN YOU” is the better choice. If you think of many people here in Japan who “could” speak but “don’t”?!
And kids always want to say “I can”.
One request: if you go on with this topic and plan to make worksheets or cards I think it would be great to have the different writings, so maybe “Genki English” or “Yes I can!” in Arabic writing, Korean Writing…etc
Cool! Can’t wait to try it out with some of the older kids.
I really love this song! I really like all the songs you’ve done in the ‘style’.
That’s great Richard. It’s the perfect way to extend ‘Where are you from?’ I agree with Carol about the gap after the question. Oh course my children will all shout “yes I can!” after German, so that will work really well too.
Thanks