3205 Rephrasing Recap
Date: Wed, 9 Feb 2005 11:21:12 -0800
From: Trini or Sean - PATangoS <patangos@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Rephrasing Recap
From the responses generated in backchannels and on
the list, I think tangueras would prefer or, at the
very least, wouldnt mind, getting rid of the terms
leaders/followers. As Derek pointed out, early
instructors might not have correctly translated the
idioms accurately in the first place. Thanks to
Sergio and Bruno for giving us a better understanding
of the terms.
So heres what we have, thus far:
OLD ---> NEW
Leader leads --> Man
marca/marks/invites/indicates/initiates
Follower follows --> Woman sigue/responds/answers
The lead is --> El marca is/The mark is/The
invitation is
For the phenomenon of female leaders, for women do not
like to be referred to as a man, then I propose
Mujeres, which seems to be a common term for
all-female tango groups in this country. I would
expect this term to be used basically at milongas or
in regular conversation, not in teaching forums.
As for a separate term for male followers, around
here, well just call him Silviu. I dont think Im
in a position to suggest anything or that perhaps the
phenomenon hasnt reach that need, yet. Ill leave
that up to the guys.
Why the fuss? I would like to minimize the fear women
seem to have of making a mistake, a fear that inhibits
everyone's (male & female) learning process. I heard
it a couple of nights ago from a young beginning
tanguera. Guys have a fear too, but it's a little
different. I hear the fear much more from women than
I do from guys. Changing the words may have a greater
effect than changing the meaning/association of the
words.
As for Tango Trance, I might be confusing two separate
states 1) one in which the woman is so relaxed shes
practically sleeping, and 2) another in which she is
energetically engaged with the leader while in a
relaxed state. In the former, she may not wish to add
anything to the dance. In the latter, she actively
adds to the dialogue. There may not be a term that
covers both states. Its the latter that we still
dont quite have a really good term.
Dormir la Mujer, Im afraid wont translate well in
the U.S. It suggests some bedroom connotations, which
many women will find uncomfortable. (Unless, Im
misunderstanding the idiom.)
Great discussion, everyone!
Trini de Pittsburgh
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