Awesome news, everyone! Pixar’s Finding Nemo will be translated into the Navajo language by The Navajo Nation Museum and Walt Disney Studios. The director of the Museum, Manuelito Wheeler, sees translating such a beloved film as the perfect way to preserve and teach the native language. The vice-president of Disney Character Voices, Rick Dempsey, will work closely with Navajo linguists to assure the adaptation of the voice work is done properly.
As ABC points out, the Navajo language is a descriptive language, which means it can take several words to convey the same meaning as a single English word. This will be one of the challenges of translating Nemo, as well as finding men, women and children confident enough to equal que original performances. Wheeler also mentioned the film was picked because of its message:
“Never give up on your culture and your language. The impossible is now possible. Just keep swimming.”
Auditions will be held at the Navajo Nation Museum on Dec.19, and Dec. 20. Walk-ins are allowed but if you are interested in auditioning, you can call 928-871-7941 to book an appointment. We’re sure this will be a great adaptation and the good thing is Dory speaking whale is funny in any language!
