Comments on: Butmoni Coronzon (From the Mouth of the Witch)

By: Asynca

Asynca — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:18:28 +0000

This is absolutely fantastic: my first degree was in linguistics and foreign language. I want to know much, much more! I have no prior knowledge of Enochian, but I've done thee-way translation before and know what an enormous pain it is.

Even with two-way translation, I want more exmaples of dilemmas you faced with particular text or words, and reasoning as to why you went with the translation you did, etc, etc. I love that stuff.

I find it especially interesting the Japanese was the primary language the script was in. You've obviously done a good job to translate it, as even with my qualificaitons (and a passable knowledge of Japanese), I would never, ever have guessed that. Usually when games are translated from Japanese to English you get some odd Japanese-isms in the English text (like odd translations of -chan into jarring pet names, for example), but I picked up absolutely NONE of that in the script.

In fact, the only indication I had that there was any Japanese cultural influence in the game was some head-movements Luka makes when he's lecturing Bayonetta right before they hop on the plane – he moves in a distinctly non-American fashion. A way I've seen male Japanese actors behave in movies. I'm wracking my brains to try and remember if I noticed any others – I think a couple of times little Cereza looked slightly Japanese, but that's probably it.

Masterful job! I want to go replay the game to admire your work!

By: Sidarob

Sidarob — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:31:40 +0000

You poor, poor man. You know what I'm talking about. I hope you were/are well paid for what you went through in service to this game.

By: Gregory

Gregory — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:29:58 +0000

I find Enochian integration intriguing, however, I would find it even more interesting if your Enochian was more accurate. I must say you have done better with your Enochian usage than most games, tv shows, or movies. You do have some flaws, such as Coronzon, which is not the term for “demon,” but rather the name of a specific, diabolical being. Nevertheless, considering the limitation of decent resources on Enochian, I am very pleased at the notion of this being part of the game. I would still recommend something more like the following:

Transliterated Enochian:

Geh sibsi* Paradial chis allar a** Donasdogamatastos, od ge angelard

chis lel. Crip pi niis pambt paradial q oi trian lap ge.

Enochian Pronunciation:

Je sib-see. Pa-ra-dee-al kiss a-lar a Don-as-dogam-at'ast-os, od je

an-je-lard kiss lel. Krip pi nees pamt pa-ra-dee-al q oi tri-an lap je.

English Translation:

Thou art understood. Our lives are tied with Hell, and our thoughts

are the same. But, she comes forth unto us alive or this shall be for not.

*Could also use "Omag" ("om-a-jee") which would mean "I/We understand you."

**Can also you "g" ("ji") for "with."

By: Shun

Shun — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:24:37 +0000

Now i have certainly learned something here.

Enochian, eh? How creative was that to include such a language! XD

I'd like to see if i can maybe learn a bit more, & take note on it when i come across it in game.

I can't wait to hear/read about more on the dialogue & voice actors! ^_^

Until next time! (I wanted to write that in Enochian, but i could find a translator!)

By: GUILLÉN M&Aac

GUILLÉN M&Aac — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:22:57 +0000

Reeeally interesting post. I'm studying translation and the whole localization process fascinates me. It is something that is not covered enough by the videogames media. I remember playing MadWold in English and thinking 'how on earth have they localised this in other languages. It's impossible.' So I stopped after the second level, switched to Spanish and replayed them. It was absolutely hilarious. I thought "PlatinumGames is awesome!!" Not only they make this cool game but they've managed to adapt it to other languages! That made me play Bayonetta in Spanish. Love it too, but I promise I'll check your adaptation as soon as I finish it on hard level. Keep up the good work!

By: Solivagant

Solivagant — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:19:10 +0000

Excellent. Most Excellent.
That's how you do a proper adaptation! Fantastic work, JP. Using Enochian, great idea really. Those voices are otherworldy!

By: Bancha

Bancha — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:38:30 +0000

That info about the Enochian is fascinating. I hope translations of the angels' dialogue will available in the game or online.

By: SonicTHP

SonicTHP — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:51:27 +0000

I feel kind of bad for talking to you and even saying the word "localization" now.

This attention to detail is amazing and I am really glad to see the inner workings of what you guys did on Bayonetta. It proves the point that P* really is made of talented and enthusiastic individuals, which is what will show up in the game itself. Thanks for all your hard work, JP and P*!

By: FAUNA

FAUNA — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:08:45 +0000

Oh yeah, I love all of the names you have given everything (Wicked Weaves…that's simply awesome!).

By: FAUNA

FAUNA — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:06:47 +0000

This is one of the most interesting blogs yet. I am fascinated with languages and anything ancient in general. I am very intrigued by the Enochian language and plan on researching it. One of my favorite aspects of Bayonetta is all the 'ancient history'. I am most excited about uncovering the story and seeing all the cutscenes. All at Platinum has put so much into this. Everyone of you have have executed a masterful stroke of true genius!

By: Rikitatsu

Rikitatsu — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:37:04 +0000

Mindblowing!!! I thought The Metal Gear series had the best attention to details, but what I've seen from Bayonetta thus far tells me otherwise, and this Enochian is the final nail in the coffin.

JP, what you're doing is no normal localization, you are right, its more than that, It's adaptation.

The amount of well written lines , and awesome western references in the game makes me hardly believe this game is coming from Japan.

" DOUCHEBAGS!!: " I love you man xD Keep up the good work, I hope you're working on Mikami's title too.