You say tomato, I say 'tomate'

I am taking a quick lunch break (and Paola knows what I mean by quick!) from subtitleling the film. As I'm eating I'm trying to figure out how best to translate certain words and phrases. Language is such a remarkable reflection of cultures that you want to be as precise as possible. Knowing the power of words and the beauty of both cultures first hand, I want be fair without being obtrusive or even manipulative in either direction. I have to really listen to what the character are saying and where the scene is taking us. Antonio and Alejo refer to Mariana as 'Flaca'. A direct translation is 'Skinny'... but literally it sounds odd in English. There is a whole history of how in Colombia you are nicknamed based on a great or unfortunate physical trait... for instance, if you have one foot shorter than the other you are 'el cojo', if you're eyes are not exactly synced, you are 'el visco' (no mercy!). This lack of PC'ness has both hurt and empowered people I'm sure... but that is the exact meaning of culture... to understand where it comes from. Paola and I are going to have to decide what to leave and takeout so the intent won't be completely lost. Even in something as 'technical' as translating, we still have creative choices to make. How lucky we are! On that note, I wish you all "¡Un feliz año nuevo, 2009!"