Welcome! Introduce Yourself Here!

[Psychee]

I'm thrilled to be able to talk to a Chinese person in China!  This is a rare opportunity for me to learn something about your culture. 

I'm sorry to hear that the Chinese translations were bad.  I read somewhere that there were two official translations of the books in Chinese -- one called "simplified" and the other called "traditional".  The traditional one was published by Crown Publishing Company.  I also read that many non-official, or pirated, translations were published early on.  I wonder if the humor is better in one version versus another.

I'd love to learn examples of how the language differences would make a difference in the humor... can you think of any?

[matrim]

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Psychee wrote:

I'm thrilled to be able to talk to a Chinese person in China!  This is a rare opportunity for me to learn something about your culture. 

I'm sorry to hear that the Chinese translations were bad.  I read somewhere that there were two official translations of the books in Chinese -- one called "simplified" and the other called "traditional".  The traditional one was published by Crown Publishing Company.  I also read that many non-official, or pirated, translations were published early on.  I wonder if the humor is better in one version versus another.

I'd love to learn examples of how the language differences would make a difference in the humor... can you think of any?

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Well, to tell you the truth, youths in China nowadays are more interested in western cultures than in our own....

I didn't say the Chinese version is "bad", it's just not that enjoyable and  misses some glamour. Most Chinese kids read the translated version although some bought the books in  English and delved into them with the help of a dictionary. I haven't checked out all the translations, but I think even the best can't overcome the language obstacles. For example, word games as "You Know Who" and "You No Poo" can't be properly translated into  Chinese without losing the humor. What's more, Chinese sentence structures are simpler than that of English, so to make the translation idiomatic, the translator has to rearrange the sentence strictures, therefore  disturbing the rhythm. In the books, characters have their own styles of speech, so one can easily distinguish Hagrid from Dumbledore as the former speaks casually with a dialect and some non-standard usage while the latter speaks formally, using long and complicated sentences. It's one means of characterization. But in Chinese translation, the difference is much less pronounced.

Message Edited by matrim on 05-12-2009 10:45 PM

[ConnieAnnKirk]

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Fantasy_FreakAK wrote:

Hello,

My name is Alex. I began reading HP in 3rd grade. Since then I have read all the books multiple times with the first one being the most at 23. Sooo, I think you can say I'm a fanatic.

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Welcome, Alex!  Many "fanatics" have been posting here for quite some time.  So, you're in good company! 

EnJOY!

[ConnieAnnKirk]

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matrim wrote:

Hello.

My Harry Potter experience is somewhat odd. I didn't pay much attention to the books when they were firstly released (more exactly, 1~5 of the series) until one day I came across the American version of the audiobook, and wow! Instantly enchanted by the fantastic narration of Jim Dale, I sought out all the books and enjoyed them immensely. I've recommened Harry Potter to my friends and those who want to improve their English (I'm Chinese, see) but whose enthusiasm has been dampened by some read of classics like Pride and Prejudice. Many enjoy them as I do, and a friend actually wrote her undergraduate paper on Harry Potter! lol

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Welcome, matrim!  I think you're one of the first readers we've heard from who first came to the series through the audio book--I'm sure there must be more folks like you out there, though.

Glad to have you with us!

[ConnieAnnKirk]

Matrim--So glad to hear you're joining us from China!  As you can see, we've been talking about the Italian translation lately with a member from Italy.  Would you like me to start a thread, Matrim and Psychee, for discussion of the Chinese translations?

[Hermione06]

Hi! I'm new here and so I just wanted to introduce myself! I have been a huge fan since the second book came out! I was in middle school then and I am in college now! It doesn't seem like it has been that long though!

[ConnieAnnKirk]

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Hermione06 wrote:
Hi! I'm new here and so I just wanted to introduce myself! I have been a huge fan since the second book came out! I was in middle school then and I am in college now! It doesn't seem like it has been that long though!

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Welcome, Hermione6!  That's funny that the time seems quick for you, even though you started reading the series back in middle school.  Usually time goes fast for much older folks!

Hope you enjoy being with us!  We're glad you're here. 

[marymccormick22]

I am 28 yrs old and I am ashamed to say that I just now read all seven books. Now I know what I was missing all these years and why everyone was crazed about these books. I absolutely fell in love with this series!!! After reading the books, I finally watched the movies and I am anticipating the release of the Half Blood Prince. (Can't wait!!!)

[Sarasvati]

hello , people of the world. I am Tonainne but i go by Sarasvati. i am a large Hrry potter fan. ! 

[ConnieAnnKirk]

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marymccormick22 wrote:
I am 28 yrs old and I am ashamed to say that I just now read all seven books. Now I know what I was missing all these years and why everyone was crazed about these books. I absolutely fell in love with this series!!! After reading the books, I finally watched the movies and I am anticipating the release of the Half Blood Prince. (Can't wait!!!)

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Hi, marymc!  Don't feel too bad.  I tend to be one of those "hype-resisters" myself.  I was intrigued by JKR's story in the beginning, way back when the book was first sold to the U.S. and wasn't even published here yet.  That got me started before the craze really caught on big here and everywhere.  If I'd come into it later, I might be just like you.

Glad to have you, and we hope you'll feel free to talk about anything and everything Harry with us! 

[ConnieAnnKirk]

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Sarasvati wrote:
hello , people of the world. I am Tonainne but i go by Sarasvati. i am a large Hrry potter fan. ! 

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Hello, Sarasvati, person of the world!  We're glad to have you here at the Harry Potter Book Club!

[Rose_W]

Hey I just signed up today.

I absolutely love Harry Potter, I am so excited to see a book club!

[ConnieAnnKirk]

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Rose_W wrote:

Hey I just signed up today.

I absolutely love Harry Potter, I am so excited to see a book club!

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Welcome, Rose_W!  We're excited to see *you* here, too!

[MisterJT]

hi there!

name's jack and i'm getting into reading the harry potter series

i bought the whole set used and just finished philosopher's stone.

i watched all the movies first and already know what's happening most of the times but that hasn't spoiled my reading experience at all~ 

[ConnieAnnKirk]

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MisterJT wrote:

hi there!

name's jack and i'm getting into reading the harry potter series

i bought the whole set used and just finished philosopher's stone.

i watched all the movies first and already know what's happening most of the times but that hasn't spoiled my reading experience at all~ 

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Hey, MisterJT--Welcome!  We're glad to have you with us.  It's interesting to hear that the movies have not spoiled the books for you--there's a lot more in the books, as you'll see.

Let us know what you think!

[Wicked-Witchy-…]

Hii, I'm Wicked-Witchy-Pie-Girl. Actually, my name's Casey. I started reading HP when I was 6 or 7 years old. I'm now 15. They are still my favorite books (despite how popular Twilight is with 13-18 year old girls, lol). Actually, HP played a part with my pen name. All the words before "girl" are from a character my 3 favorite actresses played, and "witchy" is for Helena Bonham Carter.

So, yeah, that's all I've got to say for now I guess. Other than that I may burst into song at times ;]. Lol, I think I'm gonna like it here.

[Rose_W]

Hey Casey, I'm Jen

It is so crazy how much we have in common

I am 15 too, and i started reading Harry Potter when i was 6, right before the first movie came out

They are my favorite books too (though i do love twilight too)

See ya!

(p.s. love the tim burton quote!)

[ConnieAnnKirk]

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Wicked-Witchy-Pie-Girl wrote:

Hii, I'm Wicked-Witchy-Pie-Girl. Actually, my name's Casey. I started reading HP when I was 6 or 7 years old. I'm now 15. They are still my favorite books (despite how popular Twilight is with 13-18 year old girls, lol). Actually, HP played a part with my pen name. All the words before "girl" are from a character my 3 favorite actresses played, and "witchy" is for Helena Bonham Carter.

So, yeah, that's all I've got to say for now I guess. Other than that I may burst into song at times ;]. Lol, I think I'm gonna like it here.

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Welcome, Casey!  Hope you do like it here!

[ConnieAnnKirk]

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Rose_W wrote:

Hey Casey, I'm Jen

It is so crazy how much we have in common

I am 15 too, and i started reading Harry Potter when i was 6, right before the first movie came out

They are my favorite books too (though i do love twilight too)

See ya!

(p.s. love the tim burton quote!)

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Welcome to you, too, Jen!