How Do You Say Television in Chinese? DragonTV and The Four Tones
The Chinese word for television is 电视 (diànshì). But did you know a Chinese television program, DragonTV, featured an American a capella group, The Four Tones, singing in Mandarin? This surprising cultural exchange saw the group, including Elon University student Kevin Lacey ’21, perform for China’s Independence Day celebration.
From Virginia to Shanghai: A Musical Journey
Kevin Lacey, a musical theater student at Elon University, had never left the U.S. before. Yet, he found himself in Shanghai, performing on DragonTV, a major Chinese television network. How did this happen? The Four Tones, an a capella group Lacey formed in high school, caught the attention of DragonTV through a performance video posted on WeChat, a popular Chinese social media platform.
Mastering Mandarin and A Capella
The group spent ten days in Shanghai, immersed in an intensive language and musical training. The challenge? Learning to sing a traditional Chinese song in Mandarin, a language none of them spoke fluently. While other international groups performing for the Independence Day special spoke Mandarin, The Four Tones were unique, representing the U.S. and tackling the language barrier head-on.
A Capella’s Unfamiliar Sound in China
“It was very difficult,” Lacey admitted. The language and the style of singing presented significant hurdles. A capella, a vocal performance style without instruments, is not widely known in China. This made their performance even more distinctive. While some audience members were initially puzzled by the lack of instruments, The Four Tones delivered a compelling performance. “I don’t know what any of this means,” Lacey recalled thinking, “but I’m going to sing it like I know it.”
Elon University and Beyond
Lacey’s unexpected journey to Chinese television underscores the power of music and cultural exchange. Now studying musical theater at Elon, he continues to pursue his passion for performance. This experience not only broadened his horizons but also highlighted his dedication to his craft. From a high school a capella group to a Chinese television stage, Lacey’s story is a testament to the unexpected opportunities that can arise from pursuing one’s artistic dreams.
From Diànshì to Dreams
So, How Do You Say Television In Chinese? It’s 电视 (diànshì). And thanks to DragonTV (电视台 – diànshìtái, meaning television station), The Four Tones’ journey showed that music transcends language and cultural boundaries, connecting people across the globe through the universal language of song. From a local stage to Chinese television, their story illustrates how pursuing your passion can lead to extraordinary adventures.