Posted: June 12, 1999 at 10:40:58: by RSS
: I tend to agree, but some years ago I realized that the books have been translated into numerous languages with fans in many countries who relate to the story just as fondly as we English speaking people do. And now, with the new film being made, there will undoubtedly be foreign distribution with either subtitles or dubbing. I can't see how we can maintain the argument for British accents in a Japanese dubbed film. This whole debate will seem silly to people who don't speak English. And how shall the film distinguish between different dialects? Rohan spoke a language similar to Hobbitish, but different enough that the Hobbits recognized a few words, and could probably make themselves understood, but really had to resort to Westron to facilitate discourse. So what "accent" do the Rhohirrim have if the Hobbits have a British accent? And what of the Orcs? Do they just speak with bad grammar with a Bill Sykes cockney accent?First of all, the book has been translated into many languages, but I fail to see how that makes a difference. It was written in English, in a manner, idiom, and style that simply smacks of England. It may be a tale that has universal application, but that doesn't make it any less of an English tale. The problem with accents is that arbitrarily assigning a particular accent to a particular "race" doesn't make it any better. It makes a bit odd and difficult to follow. If you keep the accents British (and believe me, there are ways to differentiate different kinds of "British" accents), at least you're keeping true to the language the book was written in. Again, you talk about Westron, Orkish, etc. But that doesn't mean anything in the real world. There is only so far the fantasy can be carried out, unfortunately.
|
