From Stereotype to Stereotype: How the Process of Revoicing Affects a Character’s Identity

Abstract

[eng] This dissertation examines how the process of revoicing, be dubbing or voiceover, affects the portrayal of a character; in particular, homosexual characters. The analysis of three TV programmes, reveals the existence of a tendency to alter the voices of gay characters in order to adapt them to a stereotype. Revoicing consists on replacing the original soundtrack of a program for a soundtrack in target language. However, in this procedure, a person’s identity can be altered. The traits of someone’s voice are vital to define their personality, age, race, and emotions; specially pitch and intonation. Through pitch, one is able to determine people’s gender; voices can be more feminine or more masculine. Moreover, volume and rhythm are essential to express feelings and emotions; a higher pace and a high volume are more likely to express positive emotions rather than, for instance, sadness or worry. Yet, these features as well as the translation processes are deeply associated to stereotypes. Conventions and beliefs are present in many aspects of life; particularly, in the queer community where depending on their appearance, behaviour, and personality, they are expected to speak with a determined voice tone. The examination of the TV series Queer Eye, Sex Education, and Glee will show how the variations made in voices of the homosexual characters impact on their identities, and how the original version and the translated one convey their personalities differently.