"Thoughts on: Fangirl Japanese"
01 / 16 / 03
thoughtful
People complain how some things don't translate from Japanese to English very well. Well, it works both ways. Some things in English don't have a separate word as they do in Japanese. They depend on intonation. While having a separate word for every single thing works very well in print, it seems quite redundant when actually speaking to someone.
So I've concluded that this complaint about the English language stems from the fact that most of those who are in fact lamenting about the problem happen to be internet users, who comminicate solely thruogh 'printed; word.
But really, the English language does have its good points. And it is my native language. Not to mention the funny things I can do with it.
As far as translating goes, just because a literal translation doesn't work ir is simply inpossible, doesn't mean one can't convey the same idea.
This all comes to me from the fact that I will eventually write a Saiyuki fic. Some of the terms or slang do not make an easy transition, yet, being an English writer, I want to stray away from 'fangirl Japanese'. If I'm writing in English, why would I say " ero kappa?" It's not English, and not everyone who has seen Saiyuki will get it, especially those just starting out. However, I feel I can give the same idea, if not meaning, by using something along the lines of "horny river rat."
To the fanatical, of course, they'll say I'm losing something in that translation. I don't believe I am, however. Kappa is the name of a Japanese water demon. Given the--history--of this country, we don't have a very rich background of mythology, at least not compared to other cultures, but the term 'river rat' is very familiar to most American readers, while anyone who's well versed in the English language in general can easily picture a soaked rodent lurking around a river, which, while different from that of a Kappa, still lends to an appropriate image given the way 'kappa' is used in the series anyway.
Personally, I think horny fits better, especially when writing English, than the fangirl 'ero'. Everybody who speaks English should be able to pick that one up. And given who it's addressed to, I just feel it's perfect.
I have absolutely nothing against fangirl Japanese. I went through that time myself where I thought I should include something of it in my fics. I will use it in my RPs to convey a diversity of one (or more) of my OCs. Hoever, I realised I write my fics in English, and they in turn are read by English speakers. The anime/manga may have originated from Japan (to which I'm grateful), but I am not Japanese, and cannot speak it (though I wish I could). Therefore, until such time as I learn how to effectively communicate in that language, I will stick to the language I know.
Besides, it's a bigger challenge to give a believable English alternative for Japanese slang. Despite what fanatics will say, it is possible.
Sorry, spammers forced my hand. Comments reviewed before being published.
still winds
