#i use translation and localization somewhat interchangeably but i dont call my own work localizations bc it feels. wrong....

[satsuha]

as much as i can rag on localizations sometimes, i think it's important to differentiate me nitpicking the objective quality of a localization and simply the intent behind it... translating is extremely subjective and nuanced in a way that i don't think any monolinguals (or even people who haven't attempted translating themselves) can understand and two competent translators can end up with completely different results that are both functional localizations.

i also understand that a lot of localized works are simply impossible to "live up to my standards" because i don't think localization teams have the time to make sure every line is perfect, which is fine! i'm just an insane fan so i enjoy picking apart every single line, that's all

and i also can't agree with the idea that a proper localization adds nothing to a work if you can understand the source material, especially in a world where social media allows us to connect with fans who experienced it in so many different languages. each language is able to add nuances and portray things differently that can be really interesting sometimes! (see: the use of iambic pentameter in live a live, or something as simple as partitio's yeehaw-ing in english)

also as someone who has dabbled in amateur translations, i really feel for localizers because i can't tell you how many times i've wracked my brain on how to write a simple sentence or just resort to using a translator's note (which localizers often don't have the liberty of doing, especially in games) and it isn't always flattering when someone compares my work favourably against an official localization. it's really just a matter of taste most of the time...!

tl;dr localization is really, really hard and when i nitpick it's often because a version is at odds with my personal interpretations of a scene or character

#satsusays #and besides sometimes when i see a localization vs original difference it feels more like wow! two cakes! #sorry if the last part comes off as humblebragging but just. let me tell you. i AM flattered but it feels very strange when i dont feel lik #-i was able to portray the meaning fully with my own translation or make it sound good enough bc damn! you need to do both! #i use translation and localization somewhat interchangeably but i dont call my own work localizations bc it feels. wrong.... #this isnt even getting into voice acting differences but i feel less qualified to talk about that so SHRUG #i see most people just preferring whatever they heard first which makes sense since it likely formed their interpretation in the first plac #anyway. i have a lot of thoughts about this man translation is hard and i dont think id ever feel confident enough to do it professionally