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From Desumasu to Buzzwole: A categorization of Japanese-to-English translation methods in localized Pokémon names

Arvidsson, Don LU (2018) JAPK11 20181
Japanese Studies
Abstract
This study explored the localization of the fictional species names in the Pokémon multimedia franchise. The relations and changes between the semantic units included in 807 Pokémon names were analysed using a framework of existing translational categories of proper names within onomastics (Vermes 2001, Ainiala, Saarelma and Sjöblom 2012), semantic analysis (Nida 1975) and general translation theories (Vinay and Darbelnet 1958). This way, a categorization of methods of translation (localization) was established. Five main categories - borrowing, equivalence, modulation, modification and recreation – were found, as well as a total of 25 sub-categories. While overlap between categories and sub-categories occurred frequently, Modulation was... (More)
This study explored the localization of the fictional species names in the Pokémon multimedia franchise. The relations and changes between the semantic units included in 807 Pokémon names were analysed using a framework of existing translational categories of proper names within onomastics (Vermes 2001, Ainiala, Saarelma and Sjöblom 2012), semantic analysis (Nida 1975) and general translation theories (Vinay and Darbelnet 1958). This way, a categorization of methods of translation (localization) was established. Five main categories - borrowing, equivalence, modulation, modification and recreation – were found, as well as a total of 25 sub-categories. While overlap between categories and sub-categories occurred frequently, Modulation was the largest main category with 618 occurrences and Recreation the smallest with 37 occurrences. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Arvidsson, Don LU
supervisor
organization
course
JAPK11 20181
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Japanese, English, translation, localization, video game, Pokémon, onomastics, character naming, literary onomastics
language
English
id
8954409
date added to LUP
2018-08-09 14:23:39
date last changed
2018-08-09 14:23:39
@misc{8954409,
  abstract     = {{This study explored the localization of the fictional species names in the Pokémon multimedia franchise. The relations and changes between the semantic units included in 807 Pokémon names were analysed using a framework of existing translational categories of proper names within onomastics (Vermes 2001, Ainiala, Saarelma and Sjöblom 2012), semantic analysis (Nida 1975) and general translation theories (Vinay and Darbelnet 1958). This way, a categorization of methods of translation (localization) was established. Five main categories - borrowing, equivalence, modulation, modification and recreation – were found, as well as a total of 25 sub-categories. While overlap between categories and sub-categories occurred frequently, Modulation was the largest main category with 618 occurrences and Recreation the smallest with 37 occurrences.}},
  author       = {{Arvidsson, Don}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{From Desumasu to Buzzwole: A categorization of Japanese-to-English translation methods in localized Pokémon names}},
  year         = {{2018}},
}