The latest addition to the translations of the first chapter of the Wormworld Saga is the Arabic version. You might have noticed that I've stopped announcing each and every new translation here on the blog. I only do it in special cases. Now, this translation No. 24 is special in that way that its flag is now filling the last empty spot for translations of the first chapter on the wormworldsaga.com homepage. There literally don't fit any more translations than that into that space. Ok, maybe I could squeeze a forth row of flags into there but it already looks very cluttered so I'm not going to do that. No, with the upcoming Chapter 5 I'm going to give wormworldsaga.com the redesign that it desperately needs. Not only because of the many translations but also because of the growing number of chapters. I won't spoil anything for you now but let me just say that in the future there can be an unlimited number of languages and the chapters will be presented much more prominently.
The Arabic translation is also special because it is the first translation for which we mirrored the layout of the Wormworld Saga:
It gives me a complete headache when I look at my work that way and you might just check the Arabic version out for this wonky effect.
So, my thanks you out to Khaled Al Sabouni for his translation work and once again to Ivan Berov who did a wonderful job solving this puzzle and providing the layout for the Arabic version of the Wormworld Saga.
Hi Daniel, I think you might have to adapt your artwork a bit, like it was done in the Russian version. At the moment Jonas' school is still called "Michael Ende Elementary" but unfortunately it is mirrored as well. That looks really weird.
ReplyDeleteOh, I just noticed the same thing happens with a few other signs at buildings, in the classroom and in Jonas' "treasure chest".
ReplyDelete... and the cars drive on the "wrong" side. Or the story now takes place in another country?!
ReplyDeleteNow they look to me as if they're on the 'right' (as in correct) side! But then, I'm not in Germany
DeleteThat is the wonkiness effect in action :)
ReplyDeleteWell, to make a long story short: of course we're aware of all the pitfalls that come with the mirrored layout. I discussed it with the translator and he explained me that the Arabic audience is used to those effects (for example Superman's logo being flipped or everyone being left-handed). However, the positive effect on the readability outweighs these errors. I wonder if an Arabic reader directly notices when western text is flipped. Personally, I would not notice if an Arabic text is flipped. :)
ReplyDeleteThere literally don't fit any more translations than that into that space. Ok, maybe I could squeeze Mark Spolsky a forth row of flags into there but it already looks very cluttered so I'm not going to do that.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to be part of this magical world, Daniel. Looking forward to working with you again!
ReplyDelete