grammar question; meaning of "tune into"

[hereinchina]

Hello,
Can you use the expression "tune into" in the following way, to mean that you listen carefully so that you can understand someone's accent? i.e. "The student had a heavy accent and the teacher had to tune into it so he could understand it."

[woodcutter]

There are a handful of google hits - people might say that now and again, but it isn't something people would commonly say. It isn't "incorrect" exactly, but it sounds as if the speaker is being a little playful with the language, so it would sound odd in a formal register.

It also sounds a bit dumb to me.

[ouyang]

The phrase you want to use is "tune in to". It is an expression that was first used in reference to radio programs. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 095106.htm

Can you use the expression "tune into" in the following way, to mean that you listen carefully so that you can understand someone's accent?

You could use "tune in to", but it's not ideal. "Tune out" means to ignore. You are either "tuned in" or "tuned out" to something or someone due to your interest. I wouldn't translate "tune in" to mean "listen carefully" but rather "listen attentively".

[woodcutter]

I missed that. Oddly though, perhaps, there seem to be more hits for "tune into" when it relates to accents.

(Anyone else imagine the slightly uncomfortable presence - for us English anyway - of a rabid Welsh nationalist when Ouyang appears these days?)

[ouyang]

Does my avatar make you feel guilty Woody?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... ities.html

Y Ddraig Goch a ddyry Gychwyn

[fluffyhamster]

I thought the dragon was to do with China - that 'tingbudong' and all that!

[ouyang]

听不懂

[fluffyhamster]

Ooh, some Chinese characters, Ouyang! You der man!