Word Intonations in Pop Songs

[bossidy]

With few exceptions, I can't hear intonations in pop songs. 悠, 有, 由, 友, 右...they all sound the same to me. Is that my pathetic ear or are tones smoothed out to blend with the music?

Thanks in advance.

[doumeizhen]

I am no expert on the matter, but I once talked to a former Canto-pop star about what a relief it was to sing in Mandarin because the tones could blend in with the music, which you could never do it Cantonese.

He was from Honk Kong of course, so take that as you will.

[kudra]

see this post and a few after in the same thread

www.chinese-forums.com/showpost.php?p=82729&postcount=21

[againstwind]

Affected by melodies, the Four Tones will change. But how to change? I don't know if there is any rule either.

It may be helpful for listening comprehension to listen to Chinese pop songs, but may not for speaking.

Many Cantonese, Taiwanese and also Mainland singers can't sing in a standard pronunciation, or rather pure Chinese, intentionally or unconsciously.

[Quest]

because the tones could blend in with the music, which you could never do it Cantonese.

Obviously, you have not been to a Cantonese church service...

Many Cantonese, Taiwanese and also Mainland singers can't sing in a standard pronunciation, or rather pure Chinese, intentionally or unconsciously.

Pure Chinese.... you mean pure Mandarin.

[Ferno]

theres no tones in modern mandarin pop music. all understanding is through context. lyric search sites like baidu.com are very popular

[Quest]

There are tones in Mandarin pop, they are relatively flexible and relatively relative.