re: Oriental karaoke
I was amazed during my tour in the Navy in various Oriental lands how the local often would be performing in bars doing perfect renditions of music from their favorite Western performer. Heard a Phillipino woman do a perfect Janis Joplin. What was so amazing though was that even though they sang in perfect English without an accent, many could barely speak English. Often the only phrase they knew was "What ship you on?"
I've noticed too. . . not every one can pull this off I think, but some can. In music sounds go by slower, though the words are no clearer, it is easier to mimic, and also, the ryme and pattern helps in memorizing, so I guess thats how it can be done.