BBBB #365: Discussing TRANSLATION with Maisy || in-depth pondering
Channel: Stuff by Bez
Date: 2021-05-06

Daily positivity, and boardgame blethering.

Today: Discussing TRANSLATION with Maisy

Maisy has translated games (and other things) and is happy to discuss the process!

What is translation? Is some degree of adaptation always required? Is there such a thing as ‘translating’ for different dialects, or communities within the same language?


What distinguishes a good translation from a bad one?

What steps are involved in translation for a client? How can the translator set themself up for success?

How can a game publisher (or designer) help a translator do their best work?

What have been some surprising things for Maisy? What are some points of pride? Have there been any learning moments to share?

What tips would Maisy give a fellow translator?

Respectful comments and questions are welcome.
Sillier Qs in the QQQ section.

Maisy is a Japanese to English board game translator and language tinkerer. She's worked on tiny matchbox games, huge box games like Tokyo Sidekick, and games that use ballpoint pens to shoot pieces.

Maisy also translated a new version of Miyamoto Musashi's Five Rings. She lives in Tokyo, is from South East England and grew up a bit in Germany.

Maisy LOVES rabbits, even more than cheese, and dabbles in as many extreme sports as she can; currently she's working on becoming a contortionist.

Maisy's favourite things also include cakes, blankets, slimes from Dragon Quest, How to Train Your Dragon, and laying on the grass with friends.

https://twitter.com/Maisykuv            
https://sites.google.com/view/maisykuv/japanalogue-blog        
https://ko-fi.com/maisykuv           
https://boardgamegeek.com/user/Maisykuv        
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/370924922/chainsomnia        
https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/TATERUTO/dp/B086R8L4CK               
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1782749438/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_K5EB3NB44FHXHD7Y7B4G