Bookworm - Miko Translation
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In Ascendance of a Bookworm, there are male priests and their female equivalents, with "miko" being translated as "shrine maiden."
While the term "miko" in Japanese traditionally refers to a shrine maiden, it's often used in the context of Shinto shrines, duties, and practices.
However, the religion in the story's setting is inspired by a mix of medieval European and fantasy elements rather than directly mirroring Shinto practices. Also, males and females of this role hold equivalent responsibilities. So I don't think "shrine maiden" would be the best term to use in this case.
One alternative suggestion I would make would be "priestess," although there are other possibilities too.
Cheers!
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@Koto said in Bookworm - Mistranslation of Miko:
causes confusion for English-speaking audiences, especially because in the story, they have the same duties as male priests
I imagine this topic will generate a lot of heat. But just weighing-in as a member of the English-speaking audience, the term "shrine maiden" never confused me. In fact, this is the first time I've ever heard that "shrine maiden" might have some distinct meaning apart from "priestess" for certain English speakers.
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@unknownmat
I knew what the translation was intending, just like you would probably understand someone making grammatical errors. But that doesn't mean it's good practice to make grammatical errors in novels.Shrine maidens are typically Shinto, while priestesses carry a more general connotation. If the religion in this story was based on Shinto in Japan, shrine maiden would be an acceptable translation. But the religion is distinctly different, and more Western in influence.
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@Koto said in Bookworm - Mistranslation of Miko:
I knew what the translation was intending, just like you would probably understand someone making grammatical errors.
You claimed that the term would "cause confusion for English-speaking audiences", but I'm pointing out that it hasn't. I find your argument unconvincing. What would actually change for English readers if the term were changed?
As @LurkingMcLurk pointed out, Quof made a judicious and deliberate decision when he chose "shrine maiden". There are always going to be people who disagree with any particular translation decision.
Maybe this is just an issue with your approach. There's nothing wrong with asking about particular translation decisions, or even making suggestions. Quof is often willing to engage and explain himself. But phrasing it as a "mistake", and giving out condescending "translation 101" lessons, is very inflammatory and comes off as a direct attack on work that is highly regarded in these forums.
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@unknownmat said in Bookworm - Mistranslation of Miko:
Maybe this is just an issue with your approach. There's nothing wrong with asking about particular translation decisions, or even making suggestions. Quof is often willing to engage and explain himself. But phrasing it as a "mistake", and giving out condescending "translation 101" lessons, is very inflammatory and comes off as a direct attack on work that is highly regarded in these forums.
I wasn't trying to be inflammatory; Quof's translation of Bookworm is definitely above average. However, I see now that my post was phrased in a way that could offend people, as you said, so I will edit it for clarity.
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@Koto said in Bookworm - Mistranslation of Miko:
Shrine maidens are typically Shinto, while priestesses carry a more general connotation. If the religion in this story was based on Shinto in Japan, shrine maiden would be an acceptable translation. But the religion is distinctly different, and more Western in influence.
By this logic, the incorrect person is Kazuki Miya for introducing the word "miko" in the first place. It's definitively out of place in the setting, yet here it is. Quof is simply adhering to the author's intent.
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All right, let's end it here. Koto, LurkingMcLurk provided a couple links explaining more about the translation decision, so please explore them at your convenience.
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