From Desumasu to Buzzwole: A categorization of Japanese-to-English translation methods in localized Pokémon names

Abstract: This study explored the localization of the fictional species names in the Pokémon multimedia franchise. The relations and changes between the semantic units included in 807 Pokémon names were analysed using a framework of existing translational categories of proper names within onomastics (Vermes 2001, Ainiala, Saarelma and Sjöblom 2012), semantic analysis (Nida 1975) and general translation theories (Vinay and Darbelnet 1958). This way, a categorization of methods of translation (localization) was established. Five main categories - borrowing, equivalence, modulation, modification and recreation – were found, as well as a total of 25 sub-categories. While overlap between categories and sub-categories occurred frequently, Modulation was the largest main category with 618 occurrences and Recreation the smallest with 37 occurrences.