Music and Children’s Language Development: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends and Intellectual Structures (2021-2025)
Keywords:
music-based learning; language development; early childhood; inclusive education; bibliometric analysisAbstract
Research on music as a pedagogical tool for children’s language development has expanded rapidly, yet scholarly knowledge remains fragmented across disciplines and methodological traditions. This study aims to map research trends, intellectual structures, and thematic developments in music-based language development research through a bibliometric approach. A total of 224 journal articles published between 2021 and 2025 were retrieved from the Scopus database following PRISMA guidelines. Performance analysis, co-citation analysis, and co-occurrence analysis were conducted using bibliometric mapping techniques. Findings reveal steady publication growth and five major intellectual clusters encompassing auditory neuroscience, rhythm-based literacy interventions, early language acquisition, cognitive transfer, and neurodiversity-focused applications. Keyword analysis highlights emerging themes related to early childhood learning, music therapy, and inclusive education. The results demonstrate that music functions as a multidimensional scaffold supporting linguistic, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. Despite increasing scholarly attention, gaps remain in cross-cultural representation and in the long-term implementation of education. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4, this study provides a consolidated evidence base and future research directions for integrating music into children’s language learning practices.
https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.25.3.26
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