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Direct versus Localized Translation?

Discussion in 'Debates' started by Cahos Rahne Veloza, Oct 20, 2008.

  1. Cahos Rahne Veloza

    Cahos Rahne Veloza The Fart Awakens

    I can't decide if this should go to the "Gaming Lounge" or "Anime & Cartoons" as this topic covers both, so I decided to post this here since this could be a good debatable topic.

    Anyway, are you for direct translations of the Dialogues, names of stuff & text in any game or Anime or any show for that matter?

    Or are you for Localized translation, where "fitting" changes to stuff is done, to let viewers "get in touch" with the things on a game or show?

    As for myself, I prefer localized translation, because I can "get" things like humourous events in an Anime, if the translators & voice actors use things that are familiar to me. Take for example how Yu Yu Hakusho was initially presented here in the Philippines, they used common names in place of the characters' Japanese names. Yuusuke was Eugene, Kuwabara was Alfred, Hiei was Vincent & Kurama was Denise/Dennis. Yeah the Japanese names sound kewl, but I liked the names they used instead.

    Also, in some instances, jokes or referrals to things particular to Japan is hard to grasp, like what the hell is White Day, or how come the Japanese seem to think that Santa Claus is the main (& only star) of Christmas, or what's an otaku (Anime geek) or what are Yaoi & Yuri (homosexuals)? You only know what they are if you read up on anime culture. But if localized these things are easily understood.

    For a videogame example, I liked it better when Final Fantasy used Remedy in place of Esuna as Remedy clearly states what the spell is for, a remedy for almost all ailments.

    Plus I don't like uber otakus who think they're Japanese, even if they aren't.
     
  2. Loonylion

    Loonylion Administrator Staff Member

    Simple answer is it depends and should be decided case by case.
     
  3. Cahos Rahne Veloza

    Cahos Rahne Veloza The Fart Awakens

    In the case of Anime like Dragon Ball Z, "Kamehame Ha!" is better off than, translating it to "Turtle School's strongest attack" because the former sounds cooler. But as for things like bentou (pack lunches) wouldn't pack lunches or lunch box work as well?
     
  4. blacksun23

    blacksun23 Guest

    our filipino translations are hilarious but often not accurate
    i prefer subtitled japanese

    try watching slam dunk on animax and slam dunk on gma
    dubbing in animax was horrible sakuragis tone didnt fit him but sakuragis cool it half bad ass voice here in the ph was better
     
  5. Cahos Rahne Veloza

    Cahos Rahne Veloza The Fart Awakens

    Another example is Love Hina, Keitaro's Pinoy voice actor fit the geeky clumsy persona of Keitaro, but the Japanese girls' voices were better.

    Have you seen Desert Punk yet? The localized humour they use is very funny.
     
  6. blacksun23

    blacksun23 Guest

    i think i havent watched desert punk yet(what channel)
    or majin boo DOOOOD!!!!
    MAJIN BOOOO
    i like his pinoy voice thats all
     
  7. Rhith

    Rhith Well-Known Member

    My god I LOVE Desert Punk!
    Have all the DVD's and the humor is ridiculous.
    The "punk-isms" on the last DVD are great.
     
  8. Cahos Rahne Veloza

    Cahos Rahne Veloza The Fart Awakens

    Desert Punk airs every weekend on GMA7, it replaced that lame tree hugging hippie crap Mushiking :p

    It airs at 7:00AM Philippine time
     
  9. blacksun23

    blacksun23 Guest

    time dood
     
  10. duderedux

    duderedux Well-Known Member

    Neither. I prefer subtitles. Have you heard the translation on those VIZ videos? Also to make things clear Animax is dubbed in singapore, and sorry, but singaporeans can't do english for shit.