Translated Books: Thoughts

I’ve been reading tagalong pocketbooks for quite some time now. Got addicted to it way back 2004, and it was MC’s works (thanks to her I kind-a got polluted early- in a not so good way but I LOVE IT). Later I’ve discovered SF, KA, S, and my latest PF. They’re my one-click buy (if it’s amazon) without looking at the blurb. On the other hand, I also love to read English ones; sadly I didn’t own many English books. I’ve just relied on buying on thrift stores (sometimes) and borrowing from my close friends and colleague. Glad ebooks are there or I might just suffer from book withdrawal.

Now going back to the real issue, well not really an issue but more of a topic for discussion for me-  PHR Translations.  They did a major decision upon doing these. Translating best-selling English books to Tagalog ones.  I think it started on FST? Twilight Saga? Hunger Games? Don’t really know. Why did they came up with these thought is beyond me. Perhaps they did that because of the popularity of the book? Or just maybe they want to reach to those who can’t afford to buy the English ones (kind-a like myself)  Selfish or Noble, that thing has been bugging me for quite some time now. Haha. I can be OA at times. Most time actually.

 But I’ve been giving this topic a thought for a while now. Though I haven’t read yet any translated books, I’m finding it hard to convince myself to read one. It’s not that I abhorred it, or against it (why would I when it would benefit my fellow readers (including me) who can’t afford to buy the expensive English books) but I am not in favor of it also. For me, English is English. Tagalog is Tagalog. Those two exist separately. They’re both different. And translating one to another is just kind of weird (for me, I know). I just find it awkward to find books I’ve enjoyed and devoured reading in English to be translated in Tagalog. I know it depends on who’s doing the translation but still there are some words better said/read in English than Tagalog. Haha. Oa ko talaga. But that’s just how I felt, although I commend those writers who’re able to greatly translate those books and got great feedback's on it. Thanks to the original writers for creating a great book. Xoxo

And I know it’s still the reader’s prerogative if they want to buy it or not. Haven’t bought one but I have a friend who bought BD and Fantasy Lover in which I’ll be borrowing in the next few days if I feel like reading it. And I’ll sure be making a review about it. I just hope the translated version really did justice to the  original book. Well.. can't say more as I've not read one. x

Bottom-line is, I’m just expressing my pent-up scattered-no-directions-thoughts in writing before it overwhelmed me. Chos. xx