Separated by a common language (WAS: Jim Dale, Stupid Americans etc.)

[archeaologee]

No: HPFGUIDX 40311

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Christi 
>I agree that some of the changes were understandable, even 
necessary, 
> for an American audience.  Remember, over here we think "football" 
is 
> something played by overpaid prima donnas with helmets and heavy 
> padding, and a "jumper" is a form of sleeveless dress (Imagine the 
> poor parents who are confronted with the question of Ron and Harry 
> cross-dressing!). 

Just to add furthur to the obfustication...

As a native *English* speaker I am currently on a course which is 
composed of 75% North Americans.  Jumper always makes them laugh as 
to them it is someone attempting suicide. Also our version 
of 'football' is filled with prima-donna's as well, and the USA has 
just performed remarkably well in the 'real' world cup [the quidditch 
one is far cooler though] I believe Landon Donavan is on the cover of 
Sports Illustrated this month in the States.

However, when the film "chicken run" (which I loved btw) was released 
in the States it was acompanied by a glossary.  They couldn't change 
the script so they produced a brief list with some of the more 
obscure English\Yorkshire dialect explained which they handed out at 
the movie theatre.

I think this would have explained away any 'problems' without 
subtracting from the flavour of the books.  Part of the reason you 
read about another culture [ok, as an English public schoolboy there 
isn't a LOT of difference between my culture and the non-magic 
aspects of JKR's world, we even competed in house 7 a side 
tournaments] is to absorb the language, and the way that this is used 
is deeply indicative of the differences in the way people think.

The North American versions of the books don't translate words 
like "muggle" do they.

<snip>

> ~Christi, who experienced great confusion when, in reading "Bridget 
> Jones's Diary," she saw the heroine express a desperate need for 
> a "fag"...

James (who is probably replying to the wrong part of the thread - but 
was more confused by Bridget's weighing herself in the middle of the 
night, then again in the morning than by her use of language)