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

[seida]

I think it's important to remember that neither the Japanese or English version is more "valid" than the other. They're developed together, by essentially the same people. If you don't like the phrasing of the English version, feel free to go become fluent in Japanese and study localisation/translation, then maybe you'll finally understand why they made the choices they did.

[Nestama]

Considering what has been said in the past, I think we can.

Over the months since, we have taken many measures to ensure that similar problems do not arise in the future, and I am proud to say that the LOC team works more closely with the scenario and cutscene teams than ever before.

For our quests, we pore over plot outlines and character profiles as they become available, even if the quest text itself is not to be written for months or more (oh, the things I could tell you about 3.2 and 3.3...). We share our thoughts with our scenario team counterparts, raising concerns and working through problematic issues together. If we strongly believe that a significant deviation is warranted, we consult with the team leads beforehand, and then we do our utmost to minimize the complications.

I don't expect everyone to agree with our decisions. Quite frankly, I am glad to see so many fans willing to voice their opinions, because it shows how invested you are in our story─that you care as much as we do. However, I do hope that everyone understands that these decisions are not made lightly─that we carefully consider the consequences of our actions. And when we do make controversial choices─for FFXIV, FFXV, or any of our other games─I hope you will all bear in mind that we do so in service to the Square Enix philosophy: to create incredible, moving, unforgettable stories that can be shared with our fans throughout the world.

[PharisHanasaki]

Considering what has been said in the past, I think we can.

Thanks for quoting them, I was going to point at these. Koji san is involved in the story.
This has been raised many times since 3.0, and a certain NPC. There's a reason why they do it, and honestly it's a hard task.
Nothing is perfect, but I for one think they do an amazing job.

[Eclair_Xysha]

Yeah there are some parts in MSQ where it doesn't match up to the translation. Like, its just way off. I forgot what parts but its a very minor part of the dialogue. They didn't miss the main ones at the very least and isnt totally off the scale.

[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.

[Lersayil]

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.

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

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

[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.

[Nestama]

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.

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.

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?

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.

[Lersayil]

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.

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.

[Nestama]

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.

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).