Ask Localization Megathread

[Unelonborro]

Would it be possible for the localization team to clue us in how the proper pronounciations of this extremely difficult names?

Xzomit? (Zomit? Exzomit? Kisomit?)
Hu'Xzoi (Hu exoy? Hu soy?)
Pso 'Xja (So Ja?)
Abdhaljs (Abdal-jis?)

Also what compelled you guys to name placed that have unusual consonant pairs. It almost seems like you slam your head on the keyboard or throw darts at a board with random letters. Sorry if that was insulting but these are the strangest name out of any MMORPG I have ever played, or any video game for that manner.

Also finally, I know this is more of a lore kind of thing and you guys may not be able to answer it but will we ever learn what the naming convention prefixes for Zilart things mean? I would hate for FFXI to end without these questions being answered either in game or through whoever's in charge of story boards. There must have been a reason behind these prefixes.

Ru'
Ra'
Hu'
Aw'
Au'
Ix'
Om'
Ul'
Eo'

etc...

Good day, Ophannus!

As for your first question: here we go:

Xzomit: ZOH-mitt
Hu'Xzoi: who-ZOI
Pso 'Xja: SEW-ja
Abdhaljs: AB-dolls

As for our unusual naming tendencies, you'll notice that over time we have moved toward more grokkable area names, particularly in the Adoulin areas: less "Bostaunieux Oubliette" more "Kamihr Drifts." This reflects the tendencies of whoever was the lead translator at the time. I make it a point to visit fan sites and unofficial forums, where players tend to be more frank about their opinions, and I know that many of you refer to Bostaunieux Oubliette as "Boston Omelette." This tickles me to no end, but when I became lead, the devs and I agreed that things should take on a more direct approach--something that was memorable yet easy to remember. What do you think about the shift in direction?

As for the Zilart names--let me see if I can find someone more knowledgeable about the topic than I. Saito-san is currently swamped with event-related content, but I'll try to catch him over the weekend when he's more relaxed.

[Dragoy]

Hies!

Xzomit: ZOH-mitt
Hu'Xzoi: who-ZOI
Pso 'Xja: SEW-ja
Abdhaljs: AB-dolls

As for our unusual naming tendencies, you'll notice that over time we have moved toward more grokkable area names, particularly in the Adoulin areas: less "Bostaunieux Oubliette" more "Kamihr Drifts." This reflects the tendencies of whoever was the lead translator at the time. I make it a point to visit fan sites and unofficial forums, where players tend to be more frank about their opinions, and I know that many of you refer to Bostaunieux Oubliette as "Boston Omelette." This tickles me to no end, but when I became lead, the devs and I agreed that things should take on a more direct approach--something that was memorable yet easy to remember. What do you think about the shift in direction?

I, for one, don't mind it. However, being Finnish, I might automagically think of, and pronounce all these very differently. I may often prefer the old ways, but if I do think of these “in English”, I certainly understand the change. ^^


Many thanks again for all your replies here, as well as for all your (and the rest of the team's) efforts in general! (Past and present, as well as the crescent... I mean future!)