The Language Barrier in Wrestling.

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Who here is affected by the Language Barrier in wrestling?

We got some pretty well versed guys and a few casual fans here...I know Fed and Warner can't pronounce half of the foreigners names and events to save their lives...but, they seem to understand, whats going on, the story of the programs.

I can pretty much understand what is going on in wrestling regardless of the language barrier...the "language" of wrestling, after you've watched enough wrestling (which everyone here has seen enough)...its pretty easy to understand...its kind of a universal language.

But, as we all know, a lot of people are turned off by stuff in Japan, in Mexico...most of which is readily available to watch weekly and their PPVs...because of the language barrier.

So...as inspired by the recent podcast...

Are you affected by the language barrier?

If you aren't...help dissect the language barrier in wrestling for those that aren't well versed enough.

GO.

 

[EmpireWF]

I can't get into lucha. I'll watch some of it if I'm flipping and it's on, but it's so wacky. I understand the whole rudos/technicos (2/3 falls, a rudo ref) stuff, but the style is just not my cup of tea. (plus it sounds like the announcers never take a breath)

Japan's simpler to follow and like you mentioned, you know pretty much the gist of what's going on based on facial reactions, the intensity of the PBP guy (AHHHHHHHHHH!) and stuff like that.

 

[SuperKevin]

Honestly I used to be. I was always so distracted by the announcers speaking in a foreign language that I couldn't get into the match. Then I started watching it without sound and honestly it's the best stuff I have seen.

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

I'm finishing up the podcast now...and...

Warner.

Its not King FAIL. Its King Fah-lay.

 

[EmpireWF]

And I fully expected this thread to be another opportunity to knock Sin Cara...

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

And I fully expected this thread to be another opportunity to knock Sin Cara...

Real talk.

I'm surprised they haven't cut Mistico (who surely makes a lot of money) and just put some random cheap-o lucha under the mask as a jobber.

There would be no difference.

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

I'm finishing up the podcast now...and...

Fed and Warner.

Its not King FAIL. Its King Fah-lay.

I say Fahlay. Might have dropped a FAIL in there out of habit because I used to call him King FAIL as a meme because he sucks.

Anyway, if you watch enough Japanese wrestling, you realize the language is not the barrier you think it is. You don't even hear it after a while. And a lot of people prefer the Japanese commentary and don't want New Japan to add english because they feel like it would change the atmosphere. I kinda feel the same way. I don't need english commentary to enjoy it, and if it's bad commentary (which it probably will be) it will only take away from it.

Lucha commentary does annoy me. I don't know why or what the difference is. Plus for the most part I kinda think lucha sucks anyway, so that doesn't help.

 

[SuperKevin]

Lucha has a very circus feel to me. That's the only way I can really describe it

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

The commentary...here is the thing for me...

For Japan, to me, its all about the cadence of their voice. As long as you just go with the ebb and flow of their voice, you should be good. They pop for what they are supposed to pop for...they get into more analysis and mundane commentary when they are supposed to. Also vital...they shut the fuck up when they are supposed to shut up and just let the stuff going on in the ring speak for itself.

Japan is much better than even American commentary...because you always have the likes of Michael Cole and The King and Taz talking dumb shit when they shouldn't.

Mexico...they are always UP...they are always popping, they are always going bonkers. The entrance...their up...and because its Lucha, the action always has the commentary on the up swing and on the nuts of the near falls.

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Lucha has a very circus feel to me. That's the only way I can really describe it

I've never been, but anyone that's worked those arenas for CMLL and AAA...they are a wild experience.

Just watching...the crowd goes HAM a lot...they bring the vuvuzelas, they are always chanting some great shit...its like going to a bizarro international soccer game.

The Japs...a lot of the crowd just chills out and watches. But the Mexicans...bonkers.

 

[KINGOFOOTBALL]

I cant even watch WWE because I hate Jim Ross twang let alone some sushi chef or federale.
If its not some combination of Gorilla Monsoon , Bobby Heenan , Vince McMahon , Jesse Ventura , Lawler I cant bare it.
Are there any more stellar voices ??

 

[XavierDZ]

I like the lucha style added to Amrican and Japanese styles, but not super into the pure luchadors. Japanese is easier since they work similar to American guys.

I think the only reason I'd watch CMLL is for the environment, it's like a soccer game, they are so loud and into it. Also with facial expressions, they usually sell with yells and hand gestures. Working with others, when you don't speak the same language is tough, living near El Paso means working with guys who only speak Spanish. Sometimes putting everything together is like playing charades, or having someone who is bilingual help you out.

 

[EmpireWF]

Working with others, when you don't speak the same language is tough, living near El Paso means working with guys who only speak Spanish. Sometimes putting everything together is like playing charades, or having someone who is bilingual help you out.

lol

Always figured it was a bitch to put something together when the guys don't speak the language. Just assumed it was a loose idea for a finish and doing it on the fly as best as possible.

 

[BigBiss]

I cant even watch WWE because I hate Jim Ross twang let alone some sushi chef or federale.
If its not some combination of Gorilla Monsoon , Bobby Heenan , Vince McMahon , Jesse Ventura , Lawler I cant bare it.
Are there any more stellar voices ??

hey hows it going

 

[SuperKevin]

Biss, I'm going to meet ACH this weekend. Want me to relay a message?

 

[XavierDZ]

lol

Always figured it was a bitch to put something together when the guys don't speak the language. Just assumed it was a loose idea for a finish and doing it on the fly as best as possible.

Yeah, if you are a good technician then you can work with just about anyone, look at how good the Japanese guys who were on the PWG cards. They work with guys like Alex Shelly and Bryan Danielson, who can work 20 minutes and only have like 3 big spots. Just tough working with spot monkeys if you can't communicate verbally, also know working a luchador that arm drags are mandatory and happen often.

 

[BigBiss]

Biss, I'm going to meet ACH this weekend. Want me to relay a message?

Tell him your down with "Spring Hollow Love" should get a good reaction out of him

 

[BigBiss]

Yeah, if you are a good technician then you can work with just about anyone, look at how good the Japanese guys who were on the PWG cards. They work with guys like Alex Shelly and Bryan Danielson, who can work 20 minutes and only have like 3 big spots. Just tough working with spot monkeys if you can't communicate verbally, also know working a luchador that arm drags are mandatory and happen often.

do you guys have to deal with the macho lucha vet BS were the first 3 mins are a "shoot"

 

[XavierDZ]

Most of the older guys I met were cool as hell, but they are from El Paso. Most guys I meet who live in texas are genuinely nice guys. Usually the younger guys are the ones with the speech barriers, but aren't to hard to get along with.

 

[SuperKevin]

Tell him your down with "Spring Hollow Love" should get a good reaction out of him

Damn I hope that's not a gay joke