As I checked English informations about Races and generally about the lore (stories provided by SE, etc.), I noticed that here and there are subtle diffrences in describing one and the other in diffrent languages. Nothing breath taking though.
(I only compared official FFXIV website informations.)
As an example, Lalafell:
In the general Lalafella race introduction there were 2 ("greater") discrepancies:
In the English text, the 'rotund builds of the belie' is mentioned, while the German version tells us only about their 'small stature'.
The second one in English would be 'possessing highly developed and cunning intellects', while German version tells us about the 'cunning' part, but also about their "generosity".
(Something like: "In addition to their cunning traits, their kindness distinguishes them." (Their 'high developed intellect' is not mentioned, althought the german word gives a faintly hint about it.)
Lalafell - Dunesfolk:
Not much here, expect the fact that in the German version the whole sentence and information about the gemstone on their forehead was extinguished!
Apart from that, only the small diffrence, that the German version says something like 'for the unaware, the protective layer on their pupil looks like glass eyes.', and the english version gives additional informations, that those eyes are luminous, and the layer was an evolutionary response of 'their home region'.
Lalafell - Plainsfolk:
Strangely the last sentence is diffrent again, but this time both of them.
English version: "their long, pointy ears are said to be able to detect the faintest scampering of the prairie's various fauna."
German version: "They are known to seize every opportunity and are notorious for their cunning tongues, dealing with (business) negotiation."
Apart from that, the English version adds small informations irregulary like 'the hair mimics their native enviornment' (while in German the colour of the hair is plainly described) and the german version tells us, that those underground passageways of home islands do lie in Eorzeas (but I think, that's not really important, since it was mentioned in the general overview).
Newest Addition:
Ul'dah
While the German version describes the dome-shaped citadel more in detail (being an important identifier from afar and defines its distinctive silhouette), the English version turns one's attention to the protective outer walls, serving as stark deterrent to would-be besiegers.
The English version indicates, that the culture is known for it affluence culture, while the German version tells us, it's a place where many tradesman reside.
The most remarkable diffrence might be, that the English text says, 'the sultan rules over Ul'dah', while the German version talks about a Sultana, a 'ruling queen', if you want to compare it that way (and as far as I know, I think they were quite rare in real history - that would fit SE for spicing things up. ;).
I don't know, which one is right here, since I don't own the game yet. Maybe some 'Ingamer' can shed light on this.
Lastly, the Syndicate in English, is described as an elite group of influential and rich members of society - while in German, the term of oligarchy (the opposite of aristocracy) is used, to describe these 6 (unknown) members, of the "Scorpio-Circle" (I don't know, if that name is something unique to the german translation).
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I wonder if that's just nit picking, or really something that should be kept an eye on, especially for those, that use a none english client to play with fellow English speaking roleplayers.
If there is enough interest, I could check randomly if it is the norm, and others can feel free to do the same. But with the future information flood, that will come with every little Story/Lore Update, it might be pointless to some extent or confusing in the end. After all it is still "just" a game, there is no need for exaggeration. ;)
What am I really interested though, is the fact, if the original Japanese script was used for the diffrent Language Versions, or if they are just a derivation of the NA English translation.
But that wouldn't explain, why words were left out, or added in other places. Any information about that would be nice.
I'm not able to say anything about ingame thermology. I can only hope, their are no greater diffrences that will lead to diffrent results (althought that might be too stressed, who knows?).
(I only compared official FFXIV website informations.)
As an example, Lalafell:
In the general Lalafella race introduction there were 2 ("greater") discrepancies:
In the English text, the 'rotund builds of the belie' is mentioned, while the German version tells us only about their 'small stature'.
The second one in English would be 'possessing highly developed and cunning intellects', while German version tells us about the 'cunning' part, but also about their "generosity".
(Something like: "In addition to their cunning traits, their kindness distinguishes them." (Their 'high developed intellect' is not mentioned, althought the german word gives a faintly hint about it.)
Lalafell - Dunesfolk:
Not much here, expect the fact that in the German version the whole sentence and information about the gemstone on their forehead was extinguished!
Apart from that, only the small diffrence, that the German version says something like 'for the unaware, the protective layer on their pupil looks like glass eyes.', and the english version gives additional informations, that those eyes are luminous, and the layer was an evolutionary response of 'their home region'.
Lalafell - Plainsfolk:
Strangely the last sentence is diffrent again, but this time both of them.
English version: "their long, pointy ears are said to be able to detect the faintest scampering of the prairie's various fauna."
German version: "They are known to seize every opportunity and are notorious for their cunning tongues, dealing with (business) negotiation."
Apart from that, the English version adds small informations irregulary like 'the hair mimics their native enviornment' (while in German the colour of the hair is plainly described) and the german version tells us, that those underground passageways of home islands do lie in Eorzeas (but I think, that's not really important, since it was mentioned in the general overview).
Newest Addition:
Ul'dah
While the German version describes the dome-shaped citadel more in detail (being an important identifier from afar and defines its distinctive silhouette), the English version turns one's attention to the protective outer walls, serving as stark deterrent to would-be besiegers.
The English version indicates, that the culture is known for it affluence culture, while the German version tells us, it's a place where many tradesman reside.
The most remarkable diffrence might be, that the English text says, 'the sultan rules over Ul'dah', while the German version talks about a Sultana, a 'ruling queen', if you want to compare it that way (and as far as I know, I think they were quite rare in real history - that would fit SE for spicing things up. ;).
I don't know, which one is right here, since I don't own the game yet. Maybe some 'Ingamer' can shed light on this.
Lastly, the Syndicate in English, is described as an elite group of influential and rich members of society - while in German, the term of oligarchy (the opposite of aristocracy) is used, to describe these 6 (unknown) members, of the "Scorpio-Circle" (I don't know, if that name is something unique to the german translation).
__________________________________________________________________
I wonder if that's just nit picking, or really something that should be kept an eye on, especially for those, that use a none english client to play with fellow English speaking roleplayers.
If there is enough interest, I could check randomly if it is the norm, and others can feel free to do the same. But with the future information flood, that will come with every little Story/Lore Update, it might be pointless to some extent or confusing in the end. After all it is still "just" a game, there is no need for exaggeration. ;)
What am I really interested though, is the fact, if the original Japanese script was used for the diffrent Language Versions, or if they are just a derivation of the NA English translation.
But that wouldn't explain, why words were left out, or added in other places. Any information about that would be nice.
I'm not able to say anything about ingame thermology. I can only hope, their are no greater diffrences that will lead to diffrent results (althought that might be too stressed, who knows?).
