For those who know Spanish,....

[JRDM]

....what did Ricky say in those scenes when he was mad and started speaking spanish? I've always wondered.

[Ireneparalegal]

Mira que tiene cosa...

He was saying words to the effect of, "Look at this thing here..." and then whatever he was complaining abt. Usually abt Lucy spending money or not listening to him.

[Haunted_Armoire]

"Mira que tiene cosa la mujer esta!!"

There's really no direct translation of this and there are many Spanish idioms on the same line. It's just an expression of frustration like "Look what a woman I ended up with!!" Or "Look at this thing that I have to call a wife!!"

[Ireneparalegal]

Also let me say, in the episode when Ricky's mother visits and she brings friends over, they ask Lucy a series of questions in spanish (at Lucy's request) however the way the "hypnotist" told Lucy the questions in english, it was not how it was asked to Lucy. I am sure for time restraints, the script writers just shortened what the hypnotist ended up saying.

[Haunted_Armoire]

With foreign languages in general, it takes a little longer (using more words, I mean) than it does in English to make a point or to ask a question. For example I can say to you "Got a pen??". But in France, the entire statement has to be first postured as a question with the addition of that phrase es-ce-que. Or it can be said like this: Avez-vous un stylo ? So you may think some things were edited from the Spanish but I know enough Spanish to say I think the questions are exactly translated.

[Ireneparalegal]

Originally Posted by Haunted_Armoire

With foreign languages in general, it takes a little longer (using more words, I mean) than it does in English to make a point or to ask a question. For example I can say to you "Got a pen??". But in France, the entire statement has to be first postured as a question with the addition of that phrase es-ce-que. Or it can be said like this: Avez-vous un stylo ? So you may think some things were edited from the Spanish but I know enough Spanish to say I think the questions are exactly translated.

I am hispanic by the way. Spanish is what I grew up speaking.

What I am saying regarding the translation is that things were not edited, I am stating the way they were translated could have been said exactly the way they were said in spanish. There was no need other than the obvious (time restraints) to say it the way he did. I need to get out my dvd and transcribe the scene to make my point clear as to what I am saying.

[Lodee]

Well I get what you're saying Irene. It makes sense to me. And if you grew up speaking spanish then I'm pretty sure you'd know if the questions are exactly translated or not. So if you way they're not I gotta believe you.

[tdr]

Regarding foreign languages spoken in American motion pictures, and especially in "classic TV," one thing we seem to be led to believe is that foreign speakers are easily offended when we make an attempt to utter a kind phrase and we 'louse it up'-- and for comedy, that of course usually means speaking an insult instead of what we intend...like Lucy and 'Uncle Alberto,' or on Leave it to Beaver, where Eddie Haskell tricks Beaver into insulting his new Spanish-speaking friend-- the boys' parents come and are told what Beaver said, and they just turn and leave, as if they assume the Cleavers meant for the boy to be hurt (and unquestionably they knew that kid did not speak Spanish, so they make him a villain without qualification?). I know there was a Family Affair ep in which the 'other' Mr. French unintentionally offended a Cantonese speaking little girl and tried to make it up to her, but he kept on inadvertently insulting again and again, and her family got all mad, except for the girl's father, who explained that in that language many words "sound very much alike, but mean things very different"-- surely that's not unusual for most languages, is it?

But is it true that non-English speakers are so easily riled by such blunders or misunderstandings? If so, does that apply to all those who try to learn some phrases, not just English-speakers, or especially Americans? And do they expect such "no breaks" treatment themselves? Or perhaps is it that English-speaking Americans just don't appeciate how hard English is for them to learn as a second language, and it's 'payback' of sorts?

[Haunted_Armoire]

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

I need to get out my dvd and transcribe the scene to make my point clear as to what I am saying.

Before you do that I think I have the explanation you need. I just thought of it.

The relatives are not aware that Lucy has a translator. So they are just all sitting around, having a conversation. So all that LUCY needs to get correct is the answer to any solid questions being posed to her. The professor surely would not have to give Lucy the entire translation of what the relative said, he just needed to get the question to her as fast as possible so as not to interupt or pause the convo too much. For example I'll make something up:

Cuban relative says in Spanish (as professor is listening) "You two look very happy together and this wine is really good. I also like that carpet. How long have you two been married?"

The professor would "edit" out the other stuff and just post the "How long have you been married--nod your head so I will know" question as that's all Lucy needs to be "responsible" for.

See what I mean?? I think we get WAYYYY too wrapped up in this stuff!

[Ireneparalegal]

Originally Posted by Haunted_Armoire

Before you do that I think I have the explanation you need. I just thought of it.

The relatives are not aware that Lucy has a translator. So they are just all sitting around, having a conversation. So all that LUCY needs to get correct is the answer to any solid questions being posed to her. The professor surely would not have to give Lucy the entire translation of what the relative said, he just needed to get the question to her as fast as possible so as not to interupt or pause the convo too much. For example I'll make something up:

Cuban relative says in Spanish (as professor is listening) "You two look very happy together and this wine is really good. I also like that carpet. How long have you two been married?"

The professor would "edit" out the other stuff and just post the "How long have you been married--nod your head so I will know" question as that's all Lucy needs to be "responsible" for.

See what I mean?? I think we get WAYYYY too wrapped up in this stuff!

On the contrary, this is a tv board to discuss Lucy and I don't think we get too wrapped up abt anything. I mean, if we can't discuss the miniscule matters that have bugged us all these years with fellow fans, then who can we discuss them with?

Ok, as I stated I was going to have to delve into my dvd's to transcribe an example. I appreciate it Haunted how you attempted to show what it was I was trying to explain, but you assumed and it is not what I was trying to convey here.

Here it is, Lucy's mother-in-law says in spanish:

"This is incredible son" (to Ricky). (Looking at Lucy) "This afternoon you didn't speak a word of spanish and now you speak it perfectly."

The translator then says to Lucy: "She says, 'It's amazing how soon you learn."

Ok, that is NOT what Lucy's mother said. He worded it differently to Lucy. Yes it was the general idea of what Lucy's mother-in-law was saying, but specifically, it was not what she actually said.

My reason for bringing this up is because there are those out there who don't speak spanish and would interpret that is exactly what she said.

[Haunted_Armoire]

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

On the contrary, this is a tv board to discuss Lucy and I don't think we get too wrapped up abt anything. I mean, if we can't discuss the miniscule matters that have bugged us all these years with fellow fans, then who can we discuss them with?

.

Hey I DO think it's funny to discuss these details! My comment about our being wrapped up in this was self deprecating humour. As for the Professor, I think he was more magician than interpretor. So his interpretation of what the Spanish speaking folks said was close enough for me. If he were a REAL interpretor like for The United Nations, he'd have to be succinct. I don't think the viewing audience was phased one way or another. The scene came off without a hitch.

[Lodee]

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

On the contrary, this is a tv board to discuss Lucy and I don't think we get too wrapped up abt anything. I mean, if we can't discuss the miniscule matters that have bugged us all these years with fellow fans, then who can we discuss them with?

Ok, as I stated I was going to have to delve into my dvd's to transcribe an example. I appreciate it Haunted how you attempted to show what it was I was trying to explain, but you assumed and it is not what I was trying to convey here.

Here it is, Lucy's mother-in-law says in spanish:

"This is incredible son" (to Ricky). (Looking at Lucy) "This afternoon you didn't speak a word of spanish and now you speak it perfectly."

The translator then says to Lucy: "She says, 'It's amazing how soon you learn."

Ok, that is NOT what Lucy's mother said. He worded it differently to Lucy. Yes it was the general idea of what Lucy's mother-in-law was saying, but specifically, it was not what she actually said.

My reason for bringing this up is because there are those out there who don't speak spanish and would interpret that is exactly what she said.

That IS weird. And since Desi spoke spanish it seems like he would have made sure it was as accurate as possible.

[Ireneparalegal]

Originally Posted by Lodee

That IS weird. And since Desi spoke spanish it seems like he would have made sure it was as accurate as possible.

Like I said, I am sure it had to do with time restraints. Still, my reason for commenting on this was because the original poster inquired what Ricky said in spanish. It got me to thinking, how many other things were said in spanish that people wanted to know what it meant. As for Lucy's mother-in-law, if I had heard that translation and DID NOT KNOW SPANISH, I would assume what the hypnotist said, is what Lucy's mother-in-law said.

[Lodee]

That's what I assumed. I didn't know it wasn't translated word for word. Well, until now that is.

[Ireneparalegal]

Now you know. That is why I posted that information, for people like yourself.