As a singer, you may find yourself needing to learn a song in a language other than your own. Singing in a foreign language may be new for you, but you can do it with some help! Don’t rush the process. Take your time to learn the proper nuances of the language so that you don’t have to unlearn and then relearn with corrections later.
Start with the Words
I recommend printing out the lyrics of the song you want to learn, as well as an English translation. Paste the two side by side on the page. When you are singing in a foreign language, it’s important for you to be sure that you understand what you are saying. Become familiar with the text so that you can identify the nouns, the verbs, and the pronouns.
Find a native speaker who can record the spoken text for you. Have them speak slowly, and play the recording over and over again, listening carefully to the rhythm and flow of the language. Refer to your translation as you listen so that you reinforce the meaning of the words in your consciousness.
However, be aware that singing in a foreign language is not the same as speaking it. In French, for example, the final syllables of words are often silent when spoken but articulated when sung. This is where you may need to find a vocal diction coach who specializes in song literature to help you. If you are already familiar with the text, working with the diction coach will be more rewarding.
Turn Words into Song
Once you are comfortable with the text, you can start turning them into song. Use a mirror as you speak the text, and observe how you use your mouth and articulators. Find the loft of your singing speech. Yawn a bit or feel as if you are about to sneeze, and speak the text in front of that nice space you’ve created. Watch yourself in the mirror as you speak. In the beginning, your mouth will exaggerate and become tense as you pronounce the text. With practice, you will begin to find these strange shapes and sounds with ease and with an awareness of the vowels you need for singing in a foreign language.
Take the song one phrase at a time. Learn slowly with lots of repetition. Start by listening to the music that goes with the phrase you are learning, without singing the text. Imagine the text as you listen. Feel the shapes of the words in your mouth. Relax the tongue. Listen to the phrase with curiosity: Why did the composer set the words with this rhythm and this melodic shape? What do the composer’s choices tell you about this song? Finally, when you feel comfortable with both the text and the musical phrase, sing!
If you practice this way, phrase by phrase, you will be singing in a foreign language before you know it! Memorization will come easily, and your performance of the song will have a point of view and an emotional shape coming from a deep understanding of the material. It will no longer be foreign to your soul.
