Enhancing Cultural Authenticity in Dubbing - Lessons from "One Day at a Time"
Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of dubbing, focusing on how it can either perpetuate or dismantle othering and belonging in media representation. Our case in point is the critically acclaimed reboot of "One Day at a Time" (ODAAT), which provides a rich ground for examining these dynamics.
Introduction to "One Day at a Time" Reboot
"One Day at a Time" originally aired from 1975 to 1984, telling the story of Ann Romano, a divorced single mother navigating life with her two daughters. The reboot, launched in 2017 by Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce, shifts the focus to a Cuban-American family in Los Angeles, addressing contemporary social issues like queerness, racism, sexual consent, and mental health. Notably, the reboot is infused with Latinx cultural elements, including the use of both Spanish and English, sometimes presented separately, but often intertwined as Spanglish.
The Role of Language in Cultural Representation
Language plays a crucial role in shaping cultural identity and consciousness. In ODAAT, the strategic use of Spanish and English not only reflects the characters' bilingual reality but also creates what some researchers call a "Latino Ethnic Consciousness." This term refers to the nuanced portrayal of Latinx identities through linguistic choices, fostering a sense of belonging among Latinx viewers while educating a broader audience.
Innovative Dubbing Practices
The show's transnational distribution, particularly its availability on Netflix, necessitated innovative dubbing strategies to maintain its cultural authenticity. Season 1 of ODAAT stands out for its approach to dubbing, where the Spanish version meticulously retains the essence of the original, emphasizing in-group belonging and authenticity.
Socio-Pragmatic Functions of Code-Switching
ODAAT showcases Spanish/English code-switching, a hallmark of bilingual communication. Code-switching serves multiple socio-pragmatic functions, such as quoting, emphasizing, clarifying, and elaborating. In the context of dubbing, these functions are carefully preserved to maintain the characters' linguistic and cultural integrity.
Challenges and Solutions in Dubbing
Dubbing bilingual content poses unique challenges. Translators must navigate the intricacies of language use, ensuring that the dubbed version resonates with native speakers while staying true to the source material. ODAAT's success in this regard offers valuable insights into effective dubbing practices:
Maintaining Linguistic Nuance: Accurate translation of idiomatic expressions and cultural references is paramount.
Reflecting Character Identity: Dubbing must capture the characters' personalities and backgrounds, using appropriate linguistic registers and accents.
In-Group / Out-Group Dynamics: Dubbing must reflect the ways in which Spanish and Spanglish in the show highlight in-group dynamics among Latinx characters while also establishing differences from the larger Anglo society.
Cultural Sensitivity: Translators should be attuned to cultural nuances, avoiding stereotypes and ensuring respectful representation.
Conclusion
"One Day at a Time" exemplifies how thoughtful dubbing can enhance cultural authenticity, fostering a sense of belonging among diverse audiences. Most notably, ODAAT dubs most Latinx characters with Caribbean accents, whereas most Anglo characters are dubbed in a more artificial accent typically associated with Latin American dubbing practices.
For postproduction and localization professionals, this case study underscores the importance of meticulous translation practices that honor the source material's cultural and linguistic richness.
At Remy Languages, we are committed to helping you navigate these complexities, ensuring that your localized content resonates with global audiences while maintaining its cultural integrity. Stay tuned for more insights and tips on mastering the art of dubbing and localization.
Contact us for personalized consulting services tailored to your project's unique needs. Let's work together to create authentic, engaging content that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries!
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This blog post has been adapted from Attig & Derrick, (2021) “Dubbing Othering and Belonging: The Latinx Voice as the Self in One Day at a Time,” Bulletin of Spanish Studies: Hispanic Studies and Researches on Spain, Portugal and Latin America – Vol. 98 No. 4, 635-64. DOI 10.1080/14753820.2021.1926722
