Post by Laura on Aug 15, 2014 21:00:08 GMT -8
This is not necessarily focused solely on the question of literature in translation, but most things in translation. Hence its entry in "Free Discussion".
(nothing like the admin making the first halfway not-quite-appropriate-for-this-forum post)
What occurred to me recently, however, was this:
When we translate media over to another language for localization purposes, how much liberty should the translating group be allowed to have?
I discussed this question at length in one of my longer papers in an upper level World Literature course, but it's become more and more apparent to me that the question of localization over accurate translation is something that needs to be addressed. As I only really speak a minimum amount of Japanese, however, I can only speak to what I see carried over in manga, anime, and video games that I see/hear translated.
I understand that, to an extent, localization is necessary. There are certain cultural things that just don't 'translate', like gestures or idioms or colloquialisms. I understand that it is the translator's job to find a suitable substitute for that piece of specific wording so that the new audience can understand it. But how much is too much? When does translating slang and informality merit excessive vulgarities or 'street' talk? Why does slightly antiquated Japanese suddenly become Elizabethan English, when it really ought to just be more elaborate vocabulary choices? And if we allow so many liberties to be taken, at what point do we consider the translated work a completely separate and unique entity from the original itself?
I'm not looking for full answers to all of these questions: I'm just hoping to get some discussion going on some of these 'issues' that present themselves to me as I enjoy my comics and video games.
What occurred to me recently, however, was this:
When we translate media over to another language for localization purposes, how much liberty should the translating group be allowed to have?
I discussed this question at length in one of my longer papers in an upper level World Literature course, but it's become more and more apparent to me that the question of localization over accurate translation is something that needs to be addressed. As I only really speak a minimum amount of Japanese, however, I can only speak to what I see carried over in manga, anime, and video games that I see/hear translated.
I understand that, to an extent, localization is necessary. There are certain cultural things that just don't 'translate', like gestures or idioms or colloquialisms. I understand that it is the translator's job to find a suitable substitute for that piece of specific wording so that the new audience can understand it. But how much is too much? When does translating slang and informality merit excessive vulgarities or 'street' talk? Why does slightly antiquated Japanese suddenly become Elizabethan English, when it really ought to just be more elaborate vocabulary choices? And if we allow so many liberties to be taken, at what point do we consider the translated work a completely separate and unique entity from the original itself?
I'm not looking for full answers to all of these questions: I'm just hoping to get some discussion going on some of these 'issues' that present themselves to me as I enjoy my comics and video games.