You know what's good for making friends around the world? Discussing Harry Potter. I mean, not only is he universally popular, but he's MAGICAL. However, discussing the characters and plot with someone who has read a translation can be slightly difficult, seeing as several of the names are changed. Which is why, if you should ever find yourself in France and wishing to discuss Harry Potter, I've compiled this simple guide to the French language translation of Harry Potter.
Harry Potter: is still Harry. Nothing changed here. Hermione and Ron get to keep their names to, along with all the Weasleys and Dumbledore and the Dursleys, too. The French however, like most of the world before the films came out, can't pronnounce Hermione's name worth beans.
Hogwarts: is officially named Poudlard. Worst. Name. Ever.
Lord Voldemort: gets to keep his name, too. Lucky.
Severus Snape: becomes Severus Rogue. Fail.
Draco Malfoy: becomes Drago Malefoy. Not really sure why.
Gryffindor: is spelled Gryffondor. Kind of like poor Drago, was this really necessary?
Hufflepuff: is even cooler in French. It gets changed to Poufsouffle. You gotta admit that's awesome.
Ravenclaw: becomes Serdaigle, which translates to "Claw of Eagle." As a side note, the French don't have a concept of raven, and it's really hard to explain. "Um, it's like a big crow? But not a crow? It's really smart, and it's a big black bird?" "You mean a crow?" "No, I said it's not a crow. You know Edgar Allen Poe? You know his poem? With the bird, who always says the same word?" Sadly enough, the French aren't well versed in Poe. They know the name, but can't get the concept of raven...
Slytherin: becomes Serpentard. I take it back. Poudlard isn't all that bad as names go. Serpentard... Oh, Serpentard...
Flourish and Blott's: is Fleury et Bott. I mean, really, are this changes necessary? Sort of like changing the name of Mundungus Fletcher to Mondingus Fletcher. Really? Really?
Snitch: Vif d'Or.
Hagrid: Hagrid, thank God.
Mirror of Erised: Miroir de Rised. Less cool in French, but not terrible.
I haven't read through all the books yet, but I'm pretty sure the Cruciatus Curse changes names, too. Anyway, this little list should be enough to help get you through a simple conversation covering the world of J.K. Rowling, whether you should choose to discuss it in French or English. Oh, and Neville Longbottom? Yeah, he's Neville Londubat now, biznatch.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
.... Malefoy? Is it pronounced the same as the one in english???
Yeah, it's pronounced exactly the same. Oh, and I forgot to mention, he-who-must-not-be-named?
Celui-dont-on-ne-doit-pas-prononcer-le-nom.
Post a Comment