From the Very Beginning, Language is Intonation, Rhythm and Music

Though a child's early attempts to communicate are satisfied by movement and glances, the voice quickly seeks to articulate ideas, feelings and imagination. From the very beginning language is intonation, rhythm and music.


Written and produced by Patricia Johnston <Je Donne Ma Langue au Chant!, employs a learning system that takes advantage of a child's early attempts to speak and provides a simple program for introducing English to 3 to 6 year olds.


For Parents and Teachers Who Don't Speak English

French children officially begin foreign language instruction around the age of 8. Yet National Education requires that kindergarten teachers broach the subject one way or another from age 3 to 6.

This project takes into account that kindergarten teachers here have not been trained in foreign language instruction and encourages them to learn with their students while providing the necessary tools.

It also considers that most children do not live in a multi-lingual environment though they are surrounded outside their homes by many cultures.

Developing Autonomy and Self-Confidence

Je Donne Ma Langue au Chant! is a "feel-good" project that helps children build self-confidence. It has purposefully been published with beautiful water color illustrations that stimulate imagination and tap into the natural curiosity of a child. The album is packaged in a pretty box-set that children can easily open or carry around with them.

The three songs in this first volume are written in Classical, Swing and slightly Latin American styles and the music is pleasant for ears of all ages.

About Patricia Johnston

A graduate in International Studies from the University of Washington in Seattle, Patricia runs Nectar Prose Artist Management in France, an agency specializing in the development of works by classical, jazz and world music composers.

In 2005 with two associates, Patricia opened Taklit Music Publishing. Je Donne Ma Langue au Chant ! was released in October 2006. It was awarded the EUROPEAN LABEL by the EUROPEAN COMMISSION the following December for its quality and innovation in the presentation of a foreign language to very small children.

Patricia entered the world of music at age 8 after having heard the "violin talk" during a school presentation of orchestral instruments. What she heard was in fact a piece of jazz called the Hot Canary. That incident, she claims, is responsable for a career choice merging culture, education, music production and communication.

"I'm not a singer and this was not meant to be an artist's album, though it is artistically well-done tying language, music and visual arts together.

This production and the collection of albums that will follow it, is made to give a positive first impression of music and a foreign language to very small children.

My biggest thrill is watching the kids quickly pick up the melodies with independance and pride, and going away, convinced they do speak English.

I believe that we, as music professionals, whether composers, producers or performers have an obligation to communicate something of value in every community we find ourselves in. Je Donne Ma Langue au Chant! is my contribution in that regard. From the arrangements to the extraordinary paintings in the 60-page book that accompanies the CD, the message is clear: the first impression is the lasting one, so make it good."