Do Speakrs of Tonal Languages Tend to Be Good Singers?
From all my Indochinese friends (Thai, Vietnamese, Burmese), I have noticed that many of them and their families are naturally good singers. They seem to find the pitches of songs easily.
Do you think that speakers of tonal languages, because of their familiarity with tones, are naturally inclined to be good singers?
Unfortunately, from what I have heard of Chinese music I would not be inclined to agree with you.
I wouldn't find it strange if they had perfect pitch, but that can be a gift or a hazard depending on the situation. People who have perfect pitch and read music may have difficulty if the piece is transposed.
As far as "good", I couldn't say. I don't mind Chinese or Western opera, but some people don't care for one or both of them. On the other hand, I don't like what I hear as flat, off-pitch singing in some genres. There are all kinds of interesting types of singers, some sound good to some ears, some not.