Differences between English and Japanese MSQ Dialogue (bit of a rant)

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Originally Posted by Gula

I'm so thankful this game isn't X-seed tier. My primary complaints extend to mostly non MSQ related dialog like Khloe minion and the fat cat mount descriptions.

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... ok but, like ... the Fat Cat description is soo much better in english!

One of the few cases where I fully endorse the localization.

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Originally Posted by Clover_Blake

-Lyna openly cursing how unfair and awful things are, translated as her saying "I'm fine", because apparently, English Lyna tries to be less open about her emotions instead of just throwing them at whoever is there to listen.

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The thing is - she's not fine, she knows it, and you know it. She's not pretending to be fine. She *is* openly cursing how unfair and awful it is that she is still here and alive when so many aren't - that she is fine compared to them as she lies on the ground collapsed in pain.

It was clear and powerful to me.

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Originally Posted by Clover_Blake

-But my favourite was, without a doubt, Urianger or Estinien (can't remember which) saying a long sentence that was translated as "mhph...".

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As if anything Urianger says could be condensed to a one-word response... :P

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Originally Posted by Iscah

The thing is - she's not fine, she knows it, and you know it. She's not pretending to be fine. She *is* openly cursing how unfair and awful it is that she is still here and alive when so many aren't - that she is fine compared to them as she lies on the ground collapsed in pain.

It was clear and powerful to me.


As if anything Urianger says could be condensed to a one-word response... :P

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True, they are mostly inconsequential nitpicks, but they are annoying and hard to explain when the change is clearly (?) not a localization decision, and only changes the tone / painted personality of a character.

Those two examples are good ones. Sure some might think its better this way, but why even change them?

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Originally Posted by Alucard135

As far as I know, they already use lip syncing features in all their cut scenes. It's not an advanced one, but it still does the job.

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someday I want someone to actually lipread what we're saying when we "explain" things to NPC's.


Personally it seems like we go. "Pwawowaawohwiiwowowowowah" to pretty much everyone.

I still find it fascinating that they use actual British English voice actors. As a UK native it just blows my mind - not that I'd have any issue with NA actors doing it but yeah, still a bit out of the ordinary for a AAA game.

Some of the dialogue, however, does seem a bit stilted but I kind of see the style they're going for - but some of it does read as 'took a Shakespeare class in school 20 years ago and I'm pretty sure this is how they still speak in the Old Country.'

Thancred is best (British posh) boy though.

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Originally Posted by Callinon

I pity a non-English speaker listening to Urianger say just about anything. Good f'ing luck.

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Uriangers English is the best of them all! He always cracks me up.
And I am saying that as a German. :D

As for the differences: they exist between German and English as well and at times are quite pronounced.

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Originally Posted by Ilyrian

I still find it fascinating that they use actual British English voice actors. As a UK native it just blows my mind - not that I'd have any issue with NA actors doing it but yeah, still a bit out of the ordinary for a AAA game.

Some of the dialogue, however, does seem a bit stilted but I kind of see the style they're going for - but some of it does read as 'took a Shakespeare class in school 20 years ago and I'm pretty sure this is how they still speak in the Old Country.'

Thancred is best (British posh) boy though.

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At least it's not to the point of H'aanit in Octopath and it's not as bad as some seem to make it. There are some words you normally wouldn't hear in every day life, but they're used sparingly. Especially when Urianger is not around.

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Originally Posted by Lersayil

True, they are mostly inconsequential nitpicks, but they are annoying and hard to explain when the change is clearly (?) not a localization decision, and only changes the tone / painted personality of a character.

Those two examples are good ones. Sure some might think its better this way, but why even change them?

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Why not? What Lyna says in EN perfectly matches her body language. I may need you to specify what you mean by "clearly not localisation decisions," as everything localised is a localisation decision and has been given the okay by the higher ups (as mentioned in the link I posted in the previous page).

Also gotta remember that Koji Fox is co-leader of the world/lore developing team, as well as the English translation and localisation director.

True but for some direct translates is much harder. It does not make sense to many americans so it is pretty close. I think they try hard to make it close as can make sense.

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Originally Posted by Nestama

Why not? What Lyna says in EN perfectly matches her body language. I may need you to specify what you mean by "clearly not localisation decisions," as everything localised is a localisation decision and has been given the okay by the higher ups (as mentioned in the link I posted in the previous page).

Also gotta remember that Koji Fox is co-leader of the world/lore developing team, as well as the English translation and localisation director.

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Ehr lets see... decisions made due to cultural differences, or incompatible terms that cannot be directly translated.

Personally I believe that the the cultural part is bollocks, but at least I can see their reason there.

What would be a reason to make a change like that Lyna line? It doesn't seem to serve a purpose other than changing it for changes sake.

Well what would be a reason to remove a complete sentence and replace it with "Hmph" to begin with in case with Estinien? (Last MSQ quest, don't remember number for cut scene... second from the end at least).
Though, considering that not all scenes are originally Japanese (and we have no chances to know where is the original one) it would be correct to ask the question from two points:

Option 1: There was a sentence in original Japanese. Why, for the Twelve's sake, they removed it if there is zero reason for this?
Option 2: There was a "Hmph" in original English. Why, for the Twelve's sake, they wrote a whole sentence if there is zero reason for this?

And btw Estinien is not the only case when sentences are drastically shortened (or opposite) but it's the recent content so most fresh in mind. Do these differences are really important for MSQ? Not really, mostly these are minor differences (I will not call them mistranslations, because it's not so simple in case with FFXIV). But do they still confuse you or change the atmosphere of a scene in specific situations? Hell yes they do.

True, but it's still pretty acceptable here.

If you take a look at Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for example ... That's not localisation that's just downright censorship.

Certain western religions are one of the things for this particular case.

For anime, if you don't understand Japanese you're almost always better of using fan subs. Horrible Subs for example are pretty good but there are many other fan subs who're really great.

I will give an example of actual… I don't even know how to name this, because it's not even a mistranslation, it's nonsense. I have many questions for translation team, but our translators always were bad so I can't even say I was surprised when I saw it.

It's not for FF14, but also for FF - 15th, in fact.

Somewhere in open world between side quests there was a short random dialogue, that happen from time to time.

Japanese (translated in English literally):

Ignis: Should we go?
Noctis: Yeah.

Russian (also translated in English literally):

Ignis: Isn't it time to go?
Notic: Onwards, four-eyes.

………………………...wha? <kupo!> WHY!?

After this almost every case of different text in FF14 will look a joke really, but still.

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Originally Posted by Halivel

Well what would be a reason to remove a complete sentence and replace it with "Hmph" to begin with in case with Estinien?

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Without more information I can only guess, but perhaps the localization team found it redundant to have Estinien remark on the status of the guards they'd run into twice in two consecutive lines.

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Originally Posted by Lersayil

Ehr lets see... decisions made due to cultural differences, or incompatible terms that cannot be directly translated.

Personally I believe that the the cultural part is bollocks, but at least I can see their reason there.

What would be a reason to make a change like that Lyna line? It doesn't seem to serve a purpose other than changing it for changes sake.

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For every example given so far, I think it's less cultural differences and more "what will make more sense for X language?" From what I've heard how FFXIV's story is handled and translated, it first starts off with an author. Once the author is done writing, all four localisation teams write their own scripts. What I imply here is that even the Japanese text may also be different to what was originally written by the author (this is all hearsay, though. Unsure if true). So while everyone follows the exact same plot, there are some small differences here and there.

So in Lyna's case, the JP localisers likely had her be a little more emotional in her scene (which matches her voice), whereas the English localisation team instead chose to have her stay strong... but eventually have her break down as she laments about being alive while those she tried to protect/save were lost (which also matches her voice. Fun fact, Lyna is voiced by Salóme Gunnarsdóttir, an actress from Iceland).

In Estiniens case... I dunno. I'll need to know what he says exactly in Japanese so I can find a way to explain why it's one way for us and another way for JP players. It's possible his "hmph" could somehow mean exactly the same thing as he says in Japanese (they are meant to be sneaking about. Talking at all could potentially alert any nearby soldiers. This is ignoring the fact they were sprinting, of course. Let's pretend that didn't happen).

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Originally Posted by Nestama

Why not? What Lyna says in EN perfectly matches her body language. I may need you to specify what you mean by "clearly not localisation decisions," as everything localised is a localisation decision and has been given the okay by the higher ups (as mentioned in the link I posted in the previous page).

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I think the issue here might be that if you take that one single line out of context the translation is kinda weird, but when you consider her whole rant it fits... just fine.

And as somewhat related on the topic, I as a non-native English speaker prefer a more literal translation. Another thing as a non-native that I've noticed is that in almost all of the examples of bad and too literal translations that don't flow well and what have you, I find myself thinking: "I don't understand what the problem here is." I have to wonder how much of that is the fault of early fansubs, which could be, for the lack of a better word, quite wild at times. Clearly the solution here is to go the way of Judgement and how Sega basically translated the whole game twice. Dubs are your usual full localisation like FFXIV with dubtitles, but if you want, you can choose to use JP voices with subtitles that retain some of the Japanese flair while still being of excellent quality you've come to expect from the Yakuza series.

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Originally Posted by Nestama

Anyway, I'm going to nitpick your examples. Lyna is complaining about how awful and unfair things are, but in her own way. She's spiraling into depression by stating how she's alive to mourn those who were lost, whom she failed to protect. If you have not heard this scene in English, I highly recommend you do. Spoilers, naturally.

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From the bits I've seen in your video (I hadn't watched the dub before), the character is somehow different. English Lyna seems to play tough, she replies directly to you and she sounds really pissed. Japanese one sounds more devastated than angry (albeit she's angry as well), she doesn't even reply to you when you try to help her. She just curses and half cries to herself, and looks the most fragile she's been.

Putting aside how the English voice actress sounds nothing like the Japanese one, was it really necessary to also change the script for the mere sake of changing it? The original scene was not bad for it to need a change.

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Originally Posted by Nestama

The Exarch is quoting a certain someone from his dream. Once again, spoilers.

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Oh, I see, I didn't remember that. But the thing is that the original one is not quoting anyone, as far as I know. He just sounded like he was having some sort of nightmare, he sounded disoriented. Why was it necessary to change that, other than because the translator thought it'd be cool to write their own scene?

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Originally Posted by Nestama

I have no idea about Estinien, as I do not remember when it played. If all he said was "hmmph" then it's probably nothing important.

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I can only guess that it wasn't important for the translators, but would it hurt them to translate the script? OxO;

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Originally Posted by Nestama

I also don't recall when Minfillia calmly asks us X question, but depending on when it plays, chances are it could be due to character development reasons.

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I quoted that part for my friend back when I watched it, so I can paste it:

JAPANESE MINFILIA:
"U-um, are you alright? If you feel tired, maybe you should rest..." (sounds concerned and hesitant, clumsy as to not knowing what to do to help or where the problem lies).

TRANSLATION:
"You have something on your mind. What is it?" (looks quite direct, calm, and business level. A sentence that Y'shtola or any other Scion could have said).

(Among many, many other sentences that were changed).

Translators aren't supposed to decide on character development. It's not their place, they are not the story writters. So I personally wish they could try to deliver the original story, and not their particular vision of it.

EDIT / PS: For the record, I'm not asking for super literal translations, adapting is alright. What I'd like is just for the text meaning and the character's personality to not change.

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Originally Posted by Clover_Blake

From the bits I've seen in your video (I hadn't watched the dub before), the character is somehow different. English Lyna seems to play tough, she replies directly to you and she sounds really pissed. Japanese one sounds more devastated than angry (albeit she's angry as well), she doesn't even reply to you when you try to help her. She just curses and half cries to herself, and looks the most fragile she's been.

Putting aside how the English voice actress sounds nothing like the Japanese one, was it really necessary to also change the script for the mere sake of changing it? The original scene was not bad for it to need a change.

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And that's why I like the English Lyna more. She's a leader, she can't break down (possibly) in front of her subordinates, who likely look up to her in the worst of times (build morale, if you will). She has to be strong for them... but of course that's hard for her to do as she laments the loss of those she tried to save.

Lyna is also voiced by an Icelandic actress. The English localisation team did what FFXII did by giving the Viera their own accents.

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Oh, I see, I didn't remember that. But the thing is that the original one is not quoting anyone, as far as I know. He just sounded like he was having some sort of nightmare, he sounded disoriented. Why was it necessary to change that, other than because the translator thought it'd be cool to write their own scene?

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Does it matter? It has no plot importance and it's a neat call back.

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I can only guess that it wasn't important for the translators, but would it hurt them to translate the script? OxO;

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The script they write is original, as is the Japanese, French and German script. If I'm right about this, they're (including the JP localisation team) not directly translating the storyboard/authors work. Basically, you shouldn't say that the Japanese script is the original script. All scripts are the original. They're just slightly different so they work for the locale they're written for... assuming I'm right about this.

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I quoted that part for my friend back when I watched it, so I can paste it:

JAPANESE MINFILIA:
"U-um, are you alright? If you feel tired, maybe you should rest..." (sounds concerned and hesitant, clumsy as to not knowing what to do to help or where the problem lies).

TRANSLATION:
"You have something on your mind. What is it?" (looks quite direct, calm, and business level. A sentence that Y'shtola or any other Scion could have said).

(Among many, many other sentences that were changed).

Translators aren't supposed to decide on character development. It's not their place, they are not the story writters. So I personally wish they could try to deliver the original story, and not their particular vision of it.

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When exactly does that play, though? I would like to know the context of the scene.

I think it was Lyna's last line that may have needed a tone change to fit. "...And now they will never see it." It's...too flat? It doesn't seem to match with the mix of emotion that was building in the other lines, no payoff of teeth gritting rage or word choking anguish.

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Originally Posted by Nestama

In Estiniens case... I dunno. I'll need to know what he says exactly in Japanese so I can find a way to explain why it's one way for us and another way for JP players. It's possible his "hmph" could somehow mean exactly the same thing as he says in Japanese (they are meant to be sneaking about. Talking at all could potentially alert any nearby soldiers. This is ignoring the fact they were sprinting, of course. Let's pretend that didn't happen).

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A few of us were having this discussion earlier and someone kindly provided the translation of the JP version:

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Originally Posted by Halivel

I can't say I'm fluent, but he speaks about lookout people being dead again (suppose they saw few dead groups on their way). And yes, seeing it like "Hmph" in English was weird. XD

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It's minor, yes, but I still just find it odd that a phrase telling people to be alert since there's more corpses up ahead is omitted simply for "Hmph."

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Originally Posted by Rosenstrauch

Without more information I can only guess, but perhaps the localization team found it redundant to have Estinien remark on the status of the guards they'd run into twice in two consecutive lines.

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In light of his next spoken line, I've considered this possibility. Again, the whole thing is fairly minor in the grand scheme of things. At best you could say the Japanese version makes it apparent slightly sooner that this isn't the first set of corpses they've ran into. In English, after Gaius sends his sidekicks off elsewhere, Estinien then mentions how they were killed, "same as the others." But playing with Japanese voices and reading the English lines just makes it baffling how a curt utterance is a stand-in for actual commentary. I personally wouldn't find it redundant for him to say "Be alert, more dead guards" and then mention in his next line that they've all been killed the same way as the rest. I dunno, maybe their voice actors are paid per word; so the less the better.

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Originally Posted by Tsalmaveth

I'm going to pop in here and say that I have enjoyed a great deal of the localization... it isn't EASY... but they very MUCH play to the 'culture/audience' when they do it and I don't always APPRECIATE that in the least.

-They changed Haurchefant drastically. Did they do it to protect the NA audience's delicate sensibilities? For whatever reasons they had, it still sucks.
-They changed Frey. I've read the Japanese version of the DRK quests and I honestly PREFER that version of Frey far far more than the English. I had far more feelies and tears in my eyes for that Frey.
-They shorten and leave out a lot of things? I don't understand why... I play with the Japanese Language on, I just am more comfortable with it. I'm in no way fluent, just bits and pieces, but I can still tell that it's not 'all there' and it makes me wince.

I still love and adore the team. I just wish they'd... I don't know... -_- ShB has maybe been the closest yet, but there are still glaring points where I'm going 'wait... no stop... go back...'

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I have to ask...is there a english translation of the Japanese version of the DRK quests? :eek:

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Originally Posted by Kallera

I have to ask...is there a english translation of the Japanese version of the DRK quests? :eek:

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Yes. A tumblr user went through and translated the quests: Here and Here

The User discusses the differences in the translations, why they might have been and their own personal bias as well. I have my own feelings regarding them. There's just a marked difference in the tone and personality of the characters and I dislike seeing that, personally. I think the change was done for the audience and I don't know if I care for that kind of thing. But given how popular Frey is, it went over well regardless.

Here's something different that is a bit spoilery for 5.0 final boss story

It is when we rejoin with Ardbert and Emet Selch sees an Amaroutian for a brief moment.

The Japanese text, from my limited understanding, goes something like this "Impossible! Why are you here?!" and once the light fades he says "No, wrong... It's not him. (then I'm not sure what he says after)".

The English one goes "No... It can't be..." And then "Bah, a trick of the light. You are a broken husk, nothing more."

Even though it's a minor change, but story wise the Japanese one is revealing something different. Who is this "him" that Emet Selch is referring to? Are we somehow related to the Amaroutian that he created and had his own will and could see that our soul and Ardbert's are the same? In the English one, you wouldn't think that and probably just think that the WoL is becoming more like the Amaroutians.

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Originally Posted by Nestama

And that's why I like the English Lyna more.

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And I like the Japanese Lyna more, but I believe we aren't discussing our personal tastes but the accuracy of the translations.

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Originally Posted by Nestama

Does it matter? It has no plot importance and it's a neat call back.

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It matters to me that translators change the script whenever they want, and it's the point of this whole thread.

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Originally Posted by Nestama

The script they write is original, as is the Japanese, French and German script. If I'm right about this, they're (including the JP localisation team) not directly translating the storyboard/authors work. Basically, you shouldn't say that the Japanese script is the original script. All scripts are the original. They're just slightly different so they work for the locale they're written for... assuming I'm right about this.

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...?
I'm not sure I'm following. This is a Japanese game, the original scripters are Japanese, and every other language needs to be translated from one original script. They even explained the process of translating from Japanese to English during one of the Fanfests. A translation is not an original script, it's a translation ;
But I'm a bit confused here and perhaps there's some info that I lack.

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Originally Posted by Nestama

When exactly does that play, though? I would like to know the context of the scene.

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I don't remember the exact scene, but if the Japanese script shows Minfilia with a certain type of personality at that point of the story, it means that's the personality she's supposed to have. Otherwise we go into Haurchefant territory, where the translators decided to make a different character out of him.

This might be cool with some people, but some of us would rather the translation to be as accurate as possible (not necessarily literal, as I said; just accurate).

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Originally Posted by Alucard135

Here's something different that is a bit spoilery for 5.0 final boss story

It is when we rejoin with Ardbert and Emet Selch sees an Amaroutian for a brief moment.

The Japanese text, from my limited understanding, goes something like this "Impossible! Why are you here?!" and once the light fades he says "No, wrong... It's not him. (then I'm not sure what he says after)".

The English one goes "No... It can't be..." And then "Bah, a trick of the light. You are a broken husk, nothing more."

Even though it's a minor change, but story wise the Japanese one is revealing something different. Who is this "him" that Emet Selch is referring to? Are we somehow related to the Amaroutian that he created and had his own will and could see that our soul and Ardbert's are the same? In the English one, you wouldn't think that and probably just think that the WoL is becoming more like the Amaroutians.

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But the one self aware Amaroutian alludes to you being someone in particular as well. I'll have to rewatch it but I remember they say something that suggests that not only are you one with Ardbert, you are someone he recognizes and thinks is notable. I definitely got the idea the WoL was not only part of a shattered soul, but an important one.

crouching spoilers, hidden plot elements.

I recall this time when some npc spoke like 1-2 sentances in japanese, but it was translated into 1 word! Like really?
I don't really understand japanese, just a few words here and there, but i noticed often the translations seem off/awkward/incomplete, as if something was lost in translation.

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Originally Posted by Krotoan

But the one self aware Amaroutian alludes to you being someone in particular as well. I'll have to rewatch it but I remember they say something that suggests that not only are you one with Ardbert, you are someone he recognizes and thinks is notable. I definitely got the idea the WoL was not only part of a shattered soul, but an important one.

crouching spoilers, hidden plot elements.

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Ten characters of screenshots.

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...37/unknown.png

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...24/unknown.png

Yeah he knew us, and from these two lines I honestly can't see us being /him/. I'd have to see the translated Japanese, German, French dialogue since you tend to get a better image of the story when you combine all the translations, but based on this particular wording we're very much /not/ Hyth.

Also neat fact, the gender of your past incarnation changes based on your own in this cutscene. Which was a cool touch honestly.

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Originally Posted by Nestama

The script they write is original, as is the Japanese, French and German script. If I'm right about this, they're (including the JP localisation team) not directly translating the storyboard/authors work. Basically, you shouldn't say that the Japanese script is the original script. All scripts are the original. They're just slightly different so they work for the locale they're written for... assuming I'm right about this.

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You are not right about this. A while back there was something posted by Koji Fox about how the English team and himself specifically work much closer with the Japanese team and are able to offer suggestions and work on things that will be used across all versions of the game - the specific examples at the time were titles and the language used by dragons. While this is much more direct involvement than localization teams usually get (which is often zero), for some reason a lot of people misinterpreted this to mean that they somehow co-write the story and the English version is somehow "just as original" which is patently false. The writers are Japanese and the other localization teams translate and then edit the story dialogue from the original scripts.

Again, they may have a greater ability to go back and say "hey this line doesn't seem to be consistent with this previous scene" and make all the versions better and more consistent for it. But they don't all sit in a room together and write in 2-4 languages at the same time, that would be ridiculous.

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Originally Posted by Krotoan

But the one self aware Amaroutian alludes to you being someone in particular as well. I'll have to rewatch it but I remember they say something that suggests that not only are you one with Ardbert, you are someone he recognizes and thinks is notable. I definitely got the idea the WoL was not only part of a shattered soul, but an important one.

crouching spoilers, hidden plot elements.

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Originally Posted by Enla

Ten characters of screenshots.

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...37/unknown.png

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...24/unknown.png

Yeah he knew us, and from these two lines I honestly can't see us being /him/. I'd have to see the translated Japanese, German, French dialogue since you tend to get a better image of the story when you combine all the translations, but based on this particular wording we're very much /not/ Hyth.

Also neat fact, the gender of your past incarnation changes based on your own in this cutscene. Which was a cool touch honestly.

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Very interesting.

Yeah it seems we're someone else. But a very important one it seems. The story just keeps getting better lol

Except I do. And I played in English. You need to play the full MSQ in English, not just random bits which would obviosly noy make sense. 'She' or 'He' was also close to Emet-Selch, and probably the member of the council that left.

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Originally Posted by Clover_Blake

And I like the Japanese Lyna more, but I believe we aren't discussing our personal tastes but the accuracy of the translations.

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Well it is accurate, like it or not. You said Lyna is complaining about how things are awful and unfair in Japanese. She's doing exactly that in English. She is lamenting that it's awful and unfair that she failed in protecting those she tried to save.

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It matters to me that translators change the script whenever they want, and it's the point of this whole thread.

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It's an extremely minor detail. In Japanese he could be having a nightmare about a certain point in the {you know where}, while in English he's dreaming about the conclusion of the {you know what}.

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...?
I'm not sure I'm following. This is a Japanese game, the original scripters are Japanese, and every other language needs to be translated from one original script. They even explained the process of translating from Japanese to English during one of the Fanfests. A translation is not an original script, it's a translation ;
But I'm a bit confused here and perhaps there's some info that I lack.

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Turns out I'm wrong about this bit. Regardless, we know that the localisation teams work closely together with everyone. So if there are some things you see and don't like (that are not mistranslations), just remember that it was given the okay by everyone, including the original writer.

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I don't remember the exact scene, but if the Japanese script shows Minfilia with a certain type of personality at that point of the story, it means that's the personality she's supposed to have. Otherwise we go into Haurchefant territory, where the translators decided to make a different character out of him.

This might be cool with some people, but some of us would rather the translation to be as accurate as possible (not necessarily literal, as I said; just accurate).

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Then I can't really argue on this. Minfillia throughout the story in English was been a shy and timid girl, with some points of being confident and brave, or needing a shoulder to vent on. Even after a certain point in the story, she'll raise concerns... but then gets shut down (this is big near ending spoilers. Do not click if you haven't reached the final zone).

I am going to argue that Haurchefant's personality wasn't completely changed, but toned down (he's still into the WoL, but not to the point of wanting to spend "quality time" with them, based on what I've heard). I have a feeling that if the localisation teams were working closely with the Japanese team back then, Haurchefant would probably have been what we had. Speaking of... what is JP Haurchefant like in HW? Was his supposed desire to 'bed' with the WoL toned down as it was for the other languages?

I think it's cool with most people, as only a minority will raise concerns with inconsistencies and the majority having no idea about them, or simply not caring as the localisation is perfectly fine.

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Originally Posted by Clover_Blake

JAPANESE MINFILIA:
"U-um, are you alright? If you feel tired, maybe you should rest..." (sounds concerned and hesitant, clumsy as to not knowing what to do to help or where the problem lies).

TRANSLATION:
"You have something on your mind. What is it?" (looks quite direct, calm, and business level. A sentence that Y'shtola or any other Scion could have said).

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Originally Posted by Nestama

When exactly does that play, though? I would like to know the context of the scene.

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Originally Posted by Clover_Blake

I don't remember the exact scene, but if the Japanese script shows Minfilia with a certain type of personality at that point of the story, it means that's the personality she's supposed to have..

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Originally Posted by Nestama

Then I can't really argue on this.

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If memory serves, I believe the scene you two are talking about is:

...when everyone is discussing Y'shtola's leap into the pit. Ryne looks towards the WoL and notices they are quiet and possibly thinking about something. She asks after them and the WoL gets the prompt that lets them mention that they suspect Y'shtola may have used Flow again.

Oooh, that scene! Okay! Given the few scenes that flash before the question is asked, it's safe to assume that Minfillia noticed the WoL was deep in thought. She also doesn't look "calm, direct, business level," but concerned/worried... or maybe it's curiosity?

Basically, to me it fits better that she would ask us what's on our minds over "are you alright?" Our character in the scene don't exactly look tired or unwell. Just sad (and deep in thought, as Minfillia noticed). The responses we give her there also match what she asks.

Now I'm curious what responses the WoL has on the JP client. Because if she asks if you're feeling unwell, the only two responses I can think the WoL would have are: "Nah I'm fine!" and "Maybe I could do with a lie down," but then that doesn't really match the scene at all and becomes completely irrelevant dialogue fluff between the WoL and Minfillia.

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Originally Posted by Nestama

Oooh, that scene! Okay! Given the few scenes that flash before the question is asked, it's safe to assume that Minfillia noticed the WoL was deep in thought. She also doesn't look "calm, direct, business level," but concerned/worried... or maybe it's curiosity?

Basically, to me it fits better that she would ask us what's on our minds over "are you alright?" Our character in the scene don't exactly look tired or unwell. Just sad (and deep in thought, as Minfillia noticed). The responses we give her there also match what she asks.

Now I'm curious what responses the WoL has on the JP client. Because if she asks if you're feeling unwell, the only two responses I can think the WoL would have are: "Nah I'm fine!" and "Maybe I could do with a lie down," but then that doesn't really match the scene at all and becomes completely irrelevant dialogue fluff between the WoL and Minfillia.

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I don't mean to speak for Clover so she'd have to clarify herself if she comes back to see this, but I think by "look" she might have actually meant "sound" given the way the rest of her sentence reads. Maybe she said "look" because she is talking about how the text itself appears to read when compared against the audio and possibly Minfillia's body language.

In any case, my understanding of her argument here is that Minfillia's way of saying something reflects on her personality and even this admittedly subtle changes can mark quite a notable difference when it comes to both the perceived character development and our own interpretations of a character. So to use this example here, her comment about Minfillia's reply being "direct, calm and business level" likely means that the english text reflect's Minfillia's disposition in this situation toward being in a more relaxed and level-headed state and a character that is comfortable turning to the WoL, whom clearly appears troubled, and asking what's on their mind with a comparable stocisim to that of the older and more weathered Scions. On the other hand, the Japanese dialogue reflects her insecure and sheepish nature, more akin to a character that is both sincerely worried and perhaps a little afraid to talk - like she is still trying to find her place in the group as a character who currently feels troublesome and worthless.

I think if you settle on the fact that the 'basic message' still comes across just fine then you are only scratching the surface of the debate. Nuance is everything when it comes to storytelling and while you can argue that this sole example in itself amounts to very little - if anything - in the grand scheme of things, repeated instances of this can really alter the way a character comes across overall, at least in my opinion.

Though with all of that said, its a little frustrating to listen to myself argue for the consistency of Ryne's character of all people considering how dissatisfied I was with how she does a virtual 180 at a pivotal moment later on, but I digress.