Jackie Chan reveals how country music helped him learn English

The South African

2 days ago

Martial arts legend Jackie Chan, now 71, recently shared a charming and unexpected story on The Kelly Clarkson Show that will resonate with fans worldwide.
The Hong Kong-born star revealed that he learned to speak English by listening to country music.
Jackie Chan explained that when he first arrived in the United States, he struggled to understand directors on film sets. 'I didn't understand what they were saying,' he admitted.
'I had to rely on my dialogue coach to translate.' But he found a clever solution: he listened to country songs because 'country songs are slow.'
This made it easier for him to catch the words and learn the language gradually, according to People.
In a delightful moment on the show, Chan then serenaded host Kelly Clarkson with the chorus of Willie Nelson's classic Always on My Mind .
The audience erupted in applause, and Clarkson was visibly moved, saying, 'I'm sorry, I just got serenaded by Jackie Chan. That's how I'm going to take this day away.'
It was a rare and heartwarming glimpse of the actor's softer side. He showed off his singing skills alongside his martial arts prowess.
The song Always on My Mind has a rich history. The song was first recorded in the early 1970s and famously covered by Elvis Presley before Willie Nelson made it his own in 1982.
It's a haunting ballad about love and regret, and its slower tempo made it perfect for Chan's English-learning journey.
Jackie Chan's story is especially inspiring for South Africans, where English is widely spoken but often learned as a second or third language.
His approach shows the power of music as a tool for language acquisition, a universal lesson that transcends borders and cultures.
The actor appeared on the show alongside his Karate Kid: Legends co-stars Ralph Macchio and Ben Wang.
Macchio, 63, also revealed that after 41 years, he finally earned his black belt in karate. This was a testament to dedication and perseverance that echoes Chan's career.
Karate Kid: Legends , featuring Jackie Chan reprising his role as Mr. Han, is now showing in cinemas, offering local audiences a chance to see their hero in action once again.
As Chan put it on the show, 'I learn English in country songs, because country songs are slow.'
Jackie Chan's story is proof that sometimes the best teachers come in unexpected forms, even a country ballad from Texas can open doors worldwide.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.