grammar question; meaning of "tune into"

<b>Forum for the discussion of Applied Linguistics </b>

Moderators: Dimitris, maneki neko2, Lorikeet, Enrico Palazzo, superpeach, cecil2, Mr. Kalgukshi2

Post Reply
hereinchina
Posts: 119
Joined: Fri May 29, 2009 1:47 pm

grammar question; meaning of "tune into"

Post by hereinchina » Wed Dec 30, 2009 9:17 am

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
Posts: 1303
Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2004 6:14 am
Location: London

Post by woodcutter » Thu Dec 31, 2009 12:09 am

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.

User avatar
ouyang
Posts: 170
Joined: Sun Oct 28, 2007 3:52 am
Location: The Milky Way
Contact:

Post by ouyang » Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:23 am

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
Posts: 1303
Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2004 6:14 am
Location: London

Post by woodcutter » Sat Jan 02, 2010 2:12 pm

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?)

User avatar
ouyang
Posts: 170
Joined: Sun Oct 28, 2007 3:52 am
Location: The Milky Way
Contact:

Post by ouyang » Sat Jan 02, 2010 11:37 pm

Does my avatar make you feel guilty Woody?

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

Y Ddraig Goch a ddyry Gychwyn :twisted:

fluffyhamster
Posts: 3031
Joined: Tue Oct 26, 2004 6:57 pm
Location: UK > China > Japan > UK again

Post by fluffyhamster » Sun Jan 03, 2010 12:35 pm

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

User avatar
ouyang
Posts: 170
Joined: Sun Oct 28, 2007 3:52 am
Location: The Milky Way
Contact:

Post by ouyang » Sun Jan 03, 2010 12:43 pm

&#21548;&#19981;&#25026;

fluffyhamster
Posts: 3031
Joined: Tue Oct 26, 2004 6:57 pm
Location: UK > China > Japan > UK again

Post by fluffyhamster » Mon Jan 04, 2010 6:58 am

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

Post Reply