Exactly,it`s different. In this world, the difference shows in the tones of the word. In fact,the language in Chinese Mainland and TaiWai has many differences not just in tones,also in words and expressive ways... Most people now in TaiWan say the language belongs to a dialect of Southern Fujian province in china...... So,it is different.... My words are scattered, wish it helps.

it's ok. peng2 you3 is the right pronounce .but peng2 you (neutral tone) is ok too.we dont use peng2 you2 ..

I've noticed phonetic differences not only in tones, but also in pronunciation of sounds in general. Northern Mandarin speakers pronounce 朋友 [péngyou] as [pahng-jou], but in some Taiwanese films I watch they pronounce it as [pei-jou].

um....well,I'm not very familiar with Taiwanese' tones,yet I know the phonetics are similar...I guess difference does exist,since you know,a strait lays there between mainland and Taiwan,this can definitely cause some difference,in mainland,we pronounce朋友as"peng2you3"....Anyway,we can still understand each other,and it's OK to speak either way.But I still think that the pronunciation and tones of Beijing mandarin is more standard and correct than Mandarin in Taiwan...since you know,Northern China is the cradle of Mandarin and ancient Chinese civilization.....hope this can help ya..:D

look, here peng2 you3 ( is the right one, and i belive you tawanese friends said the right tone was 2 and 3.) you may misheard it.. and here "sometime, ppl will tent to pronounce it as PONG2 you3 peng2>>>pong2 but, it doesn't change any meaning. hope you help.