The authenticity of singing in a non-native language
Flinkman, Salla (2023)
2023
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023053016313
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023053016313
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this thesis was to examine the authenticity of singing in a non-native language and highlight the attitudes towards Finnish artists who sing in English. If hesitating between native and non-native language, this thesis can clarify the artist’s thoughts and give them tools to improve their interpretation. In order to study this relatively abstract subject, four different artists and music business professionals were interviewed about their experiences.
In addition to the interviews, a survey was made to study the reactions and preferences of regular music consumers. After listening to two versions of the same song, one in English and the other in Finnish, the respondents answered 12 multiple-choice questions and one optional open-ended question. The goal was to see how much the singing language affects their listening experience and if there is a difference between the Finnish and non-Finnish speaking respondents. Majority (90%) of the respondents were Finns, which showed in the results. While the English version was preferred musically, the Finnish version was evaluated as more authentic and touching.
The study revealed that the experience of the authenticity can be both inner and external matter that is affected by the listener’s and the artist’s background, language skills and emotional state. By practising their language skills, the artist can not only develop their credibility and confidence but also unlock hidden potential and open doors to new perspectives.
In addition to the interviews, a survey was made to study the reactions and preferences of regular music consumers. After listening to two versions of the same song, one in English and the other in Finnish, the respondents answered 12 multiple-choice questions and one optional open-ended question. The goal was to see how much the singing language affects their listening experience and if there is a difference between the Finnish and non-Finnish speaking respondents. Majority (90%) of the respondents were Finns, which showed in the results. While the English version was preferred musically, the Finnish version was evaluated as more authentic and touching.
The study revealed that the experience of the authenticity can be both inner and external matter that is affected by the listener’s and the artist’s background, language skills and emotional state. By practising their language skills, the artist can not only develop their credibility and confidence but also unlock hidden potential and open doors to new perspectives.