Spanish titles for Hollywood movies
Out of the way! I just saw a Shark! |
One of the many problems with Spanish and English is how different their sounds are sometimes.
m English sounds tend to be low and guttural while Spanish sounds are loud but softer. The "punch" certain words have when uttered is different from language to language and also the meaning plays an important role when choosing what to say and even how to say it.
m English sounds tend to be low and guttural while Spanish sounds are loud but softer. The "punch" certain words have when uttered is different from language to language and also the meaning plays an important role when choosing what to say and even how to say it.
This is particularly true when translating the titles of movies, in particular from English to Spanish. And the most dramatic example, in my humble opinion, of the point I'm trying to make is this film by Steven Spielberg, JAWS, In Spanish the translation is nothing but deplorable because it means QUIJADAS. Most people in my country would not go see a movie with such a silly title. It is then that those who bring movies change the title, and that's what happened: the title was changed to TIBURON (SHARK). What was the result? Instant success.
Not the only case, though. Here are some more:
Original Title - Translation - New title in Spanish
Home Alone - Solo en Casa - Mi Pobre Angelito
Star Wars - Guerras Estelares - Guerra de las Galaxias
Total Recall - Recuerdo Total - El Vengador del Futuro
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - El día Libre de Ferris Bueller - Un Experto en Diversiones
The Breakfast Club - El Club del Desayuno - El Club de los Cinco
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