I'm more forgiving of the Boogiepop translation, but that's partly because I can kind of mentally imagine the Japanese sentence structure from the way it turns out in English. This is one of the main reasons I haven't read many translated light novels yet, even though more and more are coming out. If the translation isn't going to be up to the level of fluidity that's found in foreign novels shelved anywhere else in a bookstore, I might as well tackle it in Japanese if I'm that desperate to read it.
That said, I'm more inclined to blame the editorial process than the translator... I think a big part of the problem is that most of these novels are being localized by manga companies. A lot of English-language manga have similar fluency issues, except that this doesn't always rise to the surface, since they mostly contain dialogue and vernacular first-person narration. The fandom itself is also a factor; I don't think they're inclined to welcome anything other than the most literal possible translation that's still readable... or rather, the people who fall into that faction are unfortunately always going to be the most vocal.
Desbreko
Abundant Love (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/16/08 | Reply
I would totally buy a book that you translated, Shin.
Shinmaru
Baron of Terribad (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/15/08 | Reply
@Dagger IX1:
Maybe I should just call the fandom a big ball of poop, then. :P
Love thy Evangelion.
Dagger IX1
Team | Posted 03/15/08 | Reply
I'm more forgiving of the Boogiepop translation, but that's partly because I can kind of mentally imagine the Japanese sentence structure from the way it turns out in English. This is one of the main reasons I haven't read many translated light novels yet, even though more and more are coming out. If the translation isn't going to be up to the level of fluidity that's found in foreign novels shelved anywhere else in a bookstore, I might as well tackle it in Japanese if I'm that desperate to read it.
That said, I'm more inclined to blame the editorial process than the translator... I think a big part of the problem is that most of these novels are being localized by manga companies. A lot of English-language manga have similar fluency issues, except that this doesn't always rise to the surface, since they mostly contain dialogue and vernacular first-person narration. The fandom itself is also a factor; I don't think they're inclined to welcome anything other than the most literal possible translation that's still readable... or rather, the people who fall into that faction are unfortunately always going to be the most vocal.
NightBeck
Otaku Eternal | Posted 03/15/08 | Reply
Oooh, a world just for recs! This is going to be awesome.