American book was a lot less American-ized

[wolfie]

Did anyone else notice that the American version wasn't very American-ized at all.

For example:
Weasley 'jumpers' instead of the Weasley 'sweaters' mentioned in previous American versions
'snogging' isn't exactly an American word
'mum' was used a lot (I remember that 'mom' was used in previous American versions)

Actually, the only American-ized thing that I noticed was the mention of the Sorcerer's stone (not the Philosopher's stone)

[GiannaOllivander]

Actually, the only American-ized thing that I noticed was the mention of the Sorcerer's stone (not the Philosopher's stone)

Well, that and the fact that the length of things was given in inches or feet- Americans are the only ones who don't use the metric system.

Did anyone else have trouble with a few of the British-isms? I had to ask about the "taking the mickey out" expression that Ron, Fred, and George kept using. (It means having a go at someone, pulling their leg, etc).

And I still don't get Tonks saying "Wotcher" as a greeting. Can anyone loan me a clue on that one?

[Amina]

wotcher is just...a greeting. just a phrase, usually associated with londoners, but not necessarily.

as i was reading it, i was wondering if things would be americanised for those across teh pond. snogging, fancying people etc etc

[Marcy]

I didn't get the Wotcher thing either!

[GryffindorSeeker]

I was so(!) happy when i saw that! I wish that it was MUCH less Americanized, though, but it was a good deal British. Oh, andGianna, we do use the metric system, we just use the other too.

[EmilyRose]

I actually like that it was less Americanized. These books are about British characters, as we get emphasized in the movie cast choices--and Americans don't need it all changed around just for them/us.

[DarlingChild]

I notced this too! They even used LOO! I was so happy. Most of them I was able to figure out, and there was really nothing that I had trouble decifering. I might have to consult my british slang dictionary though ;)

[roz]

Originally posted by GiannaOllivander (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=388576#post388576))
Well, that and the fact that the length of things was given in inches or feet- Americans are the only ones who don't use the metric system.



Actually feet and inches are still used alot in the UK. For example I can only tell you my hight in feet and inches (and that really confuses people here in Germany). They are used in the books through out in the englsih edition for things like essay length.

Roz.

[wolfie]

GiannaOllivander
Did anyone else have trouble with a few of the British-isms? I had to ask about the "taking the mickey out" expression that Ron, Fred, and George kept using. (It means having a go at someone, pulling their leg, etc).


Amina
wotcher is just...a greeting. just a phrase, usually associated with londoners, but not necessarily.


Ah, I didn't pick up on these two. I just kind of read over them. They make a lot more sense now.

And did anyone else notice how often Ron said 'mate'?

[jmk623]

It was a bit confusing, but I think I got the general idea of it. But, I had no idea what 'snogging' meant. I had to logg on the internet and read posts to find that one out. 'jumper', I thought they would have changed that, as they did in the other books.

[GodricSlytherin]

Ya. Like the word **** as well, was used. And la. And Vernon said effing!!! lol. Muahahahaha! But it should be less Americanized, since well, it's in Europe.

[MissFlibble]

I knew almost all of the words/phrases because I watch a LOT of British comedies. Actually, the Americanization always annoyed me a bit.

[Cat]

They probably had to release it too quickly to go over everything thoroughly enough for their tastes.

[Aberforth]

I believe it should stay unAmericanized. Those of us who haven't been to England or lived there should be subjected to a bit of different culture.

Besides, if the youth of America can figure out what "fo shizzle my nizzle" means they can figure out what "taking the mick, getting pissed, bollocks, and jumpers" mean.

[Galatea]

I noticed this too! I mean, i don't mind very much but I still haven't the faintest idea what a "budgerigar" is. Does anyone know what it is!?!? It's been driving me absolutely nuts!

[Cat]

Originally posted by Galatea (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=388733#post388733))
I noticed this too! I mean, i don't mind very much but I still haven't the faintest idea what a "budgerigar" is. Does anyone know what it is!?!? It's been driving me absolutely nuts!


A budgie! One of those little, annoying yellow (or white) birds that people keep as pets and they just sit there chirping madly all day.

[wolfie]

Originally posted by Cat (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=388756#post388756))
A budgie! One of those little, annoying yellow (or white) birds that people keep as pets and they just sit there chirping madly all day.


Oh, they're not annoying! They're cute. I had a blue one named Sailor once.

And I agree with you guys, I like it a lot more when it isn't American-ized. I wonder why they changed so much in the first few books.

[Amina]

a budgie, or budgiregar is a little yellow/green bird that looks a bit like a mini parrot. they're domesticated and, i believe, die in the wild. they make a bloody racket too.

[Whitney]

That mickey thing was really confusing for me, I'd never heard it before. I just assumed that "wotcher" was just a little catchphrase (catchword?) Tonks used. Thanks for shedding light on those things, by the way. ^_^

[Raven]

I think we call them Parakeets here in the States. I used to have a Power Blue one.

Is 'Mate' a British expression as well? I've always thought it was primarily an Austrailian one. Is it found in the English versions of books 1-3? I thought maybe it might have been JKR's husband's influence on the book. You know, something that JKR has started saying, so the characters in the book say it too.

[Cat]

Originally posted by Raven (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=389223#post389223))
I think we call them Parakeets here in the States. I used to have a Power Blue one.

Is 'Mate' a British expression as well? I've always thought it was primarily an Austrailian one. Is it found in the English versions of books 1-3? I thought maybe it might have been JKR's husband's influence on the book. You know, something that JKR has started saying, so the characters in the book say it too.


I think it was a Ron Getting Older thing.

Or maybe Ms Rowling was trying to dispel Ron/Harry coupling. Mate, chum, hearty slap on the back... :lol:

[You-Know-Who]

Mate thing annoyed me greatly, it appeared out of the blue. First 3 books Ron never said mate and suddenly it's the only thing he can say...

To be honest, I frankly I don't see a reason to Americanize the book, it's already in English for crying out loud.

[Katze]

Much much less Americanized. And loved it more for that reason.

I think the translated bits are happening less and less. Yay!

Wotcher, and mickey got me. But I figured it out soon enough by the context.

I have to admit that I thought "mate" was an Australian thing. I wasn't aware that it's a British thing as well.

[Elangomatt]

I noticed and loved the fact that it was much less americanized.... It makes me get a bit dissappointed that I ordered the UK version of the book in addition to the American version. I like the US cover so much more, but I am gonna give my US copy to my brother after I get my UK version. (the UK version was "dispatched" on Saturday, so it will be a few days till I get it)

[Pansy]

I also noticed, and I was glad to see it "un-Americanized"... I think so many really know the HP culture by now, and many young American fans already have their lingo.

The loo was what I noticed most. But it was wonderful.

[Tarawyn]

It really was nice to see a more British-looking version. I'm still confused on what "the mickey" is, but I love how it feels to be reading something more, well, authentic. What really clued me in was British verb forms referring to Quidditch teams (how I noticed that, I don't know) - the verbs were plural, not singular like they would be in the U.S. Looks good.

[daniel4hp]

There were a few things I didn't get, but I liked the British feel the unAmericanization gave it. :tu:

[cathairetic]

There are still Americanisms in it: On p. 248 I noticed that McGonagall asks Harry to have a biscuit and then the editors must have thought that Americans are still too stupid, and mentioned a plate of cookies.

Other American things I noticed:
p. 24 Dudley vomited a pile of sick. I think we must speak English English in our house because you will hear, for example, "The d*** cat sicked up a hairball again!."

p. 455 Harry wishes for a Merry Christmas from Cho rather than the previously mentioned Happy Christmas. This is again mentioned on p. 502.

On the other hand

Sweaters are now jumpers at last!
Garbage cans are bins, dust bins.
Parakeets are now budgerigars.
Teams are referred to in the singular, not plural but are still called teams, not sides.
House or bedroom slippers are carpet slippers.

And people, use your heads. "Wotcher" is short for what are you doing? My daughter has opened every telephone conversation with this for years! She's American and 29.

Oddly enough, this is my first American edition of HP. I read all the others in the British version. I was rather aprehensive about it and then was pleasantly surprised. And yes, that "mate" stuff is irritating.

[bekki791]

Yeah...the "mate" thing surprised me, too...it was very out of the blue...

I DEFINATELY noticed a difference...and I'll admit that I was pretty confused at times...but as someone before mentioned, it feels good to be reading something a little bit more authentic.

[ObsessiveTougaFan]

It's odd that they changed "biscuits" to "cookies" when so much else got left intact, but "vomited" was there in the UK edition (it's a word commonly used in the UK), as was the Happy/Merry Christmas thing with Cho (both are used in the UK, but "Merry Christmas" is more common).

[EvilMeghan]

I was so happy they left in most of the British talk that I was literally jumping up and down. I felt we were losing out on something when they changed it. I just love how authentic it feels. If this pattern continues, maybe we won't have any changes by the time we get to book seven. :D Yay!

[bubblesofdeath88]

Ya, i had no Idea what 'taking the mickey out' and the same with 'Wotcher'

[PhoenixUK]

C'mon people! Frankly, I get really annoyed when I hear about all the Americanisation that happens to the HP books because they are essentially dumbing them down, and treating you like idiots! If you don't get the meaning of biscuits, wotcher or other stuff then someone needs to help you! I'm not sure if you are aware of the amount of criticism you guys got when the American book was released as Sorcerer's stone rather than Philosophers Stone but the gist was that you guys are prettyh dumb. I know you're not cause I've been over to the US but I'm surprised you accepted it - after all, the series is set in the UK, so why would the characters use your American expressions. Phew!

Anyway, I certainly won't be 'checking out' the American version, 'guys'!

[pineapple]

haha! I noticed this too!

Personally I preferred it this way. I think that a lot of people forget that this book is supposed to take place in and around Britain, where they talk differently. I've had the chance to read the "real" versions of the books and they were really interesting and I feel as if I got the true experience of reading the Harry Potter books.

[Clarke]

Also, in the first book, Vernon mentions how the odd events might have to do something with her (petunia's sister's) lot, changed to crowd in the US. In this book, there were no lot to crowd changes. I think that they are going to leave Harry Potter and the Yet Untitled Sixth Book completely UK, just with a new cover (unless, of course, the SS/PS is mentioned) because they really are getting lazy...

[aeterna_kai]

i've lived in the uk all of my life- am british and still didn't understand Wotcher, but well...accents and dialect differs a lot from north and south...^-^;
Glad to see they didn't change so much this time- really didnt think you guys were helpless enough not to understand things like jumpers and bins:)

[Dedalus]

I'm British, so I have the Bloomsbury copies, but I'm glad they changed a less amount than usual, all the same. It's understandable for some parts, but most things shouldn't be changed, least of all for dialogue and other speech, since most of the characters are British, and so whether it requires people looking up things or not that doesn't matter, because that's what the character would say.

Someone earlier (sorry for not looking who you are, but it's a general question to all fans with the Scholastic copies anyway) mentioned that mom had been changed to mum ... did it always used to say mom instead of mum? Only, I thought J.K. Rowling refused to let them refer to Mrs. Weasley as a mom, or so she says, because she just says that she's a definate mum.

[Tarawyn]

Mum was only changed to mom in Sorcerer's Stone, which was one of the more annoying translations - I can definitely see what Rowling said about her being a mum, not a mom. It's a definite relief that they let up from doing that much at least. The publishers have gradually let up on the "translations" and I'm happy.

[FatalBeauty]

The things that definitely confused me the most were "wotcher" and "taking the mickey out." I didn't know what either of those were until reading this thread. "Mate" seemed to be used over 50 times throughout the book, and it started to annoy me....

[ilovelifex1000]

I didn't have much of a problem with any of the authentic words, it becomes obvious if you put them in context. Or maybe I was ok because my friend works at a bird shop and my next door neighbore is from London...
The mate thing bugged me. He couldn't talk to Harry without calling him Mate.

[NaDaHoDo]

I personally hate the Americanization of the books. Right after I picked up Book 3, I ordered the UK editions. I haven't gotten my UK OotP yet. No money, but I was glad to see a lot more things unchanged. The SS still pisses me off though.

[Da da da da da86]

Realize, people, that they were "Americanized" for the children. An average 5 year old from the USA will not think of a cookie when they hear "biscuit."

I think now Harry Potter has completely lost its "only for kids" label that most of us broke anyway. Therefore, fewer are changes are made, I believe because parents are reading with their kids (or in some cases, before them, like my mom with my brother).


Now, as for changes.. I noticed that all spellings were still changed, but not much vocabulary or grammar (or at least not as much as before). I didn't get Wotcher... I assumed it was a slurring (like Wannagoballwime), but for what, I could not figure out.

I didn't much care either way, except for verb agreement. I absolutely DETEST the way British English uses plural conjugations of verbs for collective (yet singular) nouns. American English, for example, would say that the team was playing well. British English would say that the team were playing well (or so I assume, from the way it is done, and from previous experience).

I stand by my American idea that it is ONE team, and therefore should take singular conjugations. It's true that a team is (yes.. is) comprised of several teammates, but so what? My body is made of billions (trillions) of cells. Does that mean that I are living? I refuse.


.. Sigh.. Sorry. I don't mean to offend anyone. It's just how I learned it.

[MadMagic]

THe only big thing I noticed was the whole "mate" thing. Everyone was calling each other mate. It didn't really bother me, it is just something I noticed.

I also noticed the hosepipes. In the US we usually just call them hoses.


I like how they are less americanized though. It gives it more of a feel that they are in a different country (which they are).

[rotsiepots]

I don't really see why people are complaining about the over use of the word "mate". It's a more authetic glimpse of British culture and now it's irritating some -- would you rather is was translated to something like "dude"?

Personally, I use "mate" all the time, maybe that's why I'm defending its noble use. ;)

[Jinxie Cat]

The mate thing didn't bother me at all. Although I did notice it. Until I came to this thread I had no idea what 'wotcher' and 'take the mickey out' meant. I don't care if the book is completely British or completely American. I'm going to read them anyways... I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything when I read the first four and I'm also not mad that they changed 'Philosopher' to 'Sorcerer'... I'm just glad the book is here. The only thing I felt was different was the sentence structures of some sentences. I can't think of any now but I feel like they leave out words and twist the sentences around and make them backwards... And here in America it sounds wierd...

[just_clara]

I cracked up when Vernon said "effing." I'm going to have to incorporate that into my speach......

[MadMagic]

I have just been re-reading and I noticed the Wothcher and the mickey thing and had no idea what they ment. Thanks to you guys now I do. The jumper thing didn't even phase me though. I;m loving that they haven't totally americanized this one!

[Yavanna]

Okay, I have never even been out of this country (America) but I find myself talking totally un-American, and I get it solely from LOTR and (mostly) Harry Potter. My phrases and word usage are different. It is really strange!

I wish the books could all the the same, though. I know how to look up a word on the internet easily enough! Those dumb American publishers just have to go and change everything their way, don't they??

Oh, and I always use the word "effing". Me and my friends have used it for years, instead of saying the f-word. That's British? Cuz I sure didn't pick that up from England! I cracked up as well when he said it!!

[Hufflepuffy]

I noticed Ron was saying "mate" all of the sudden, but it didn't bother me. I really liked how it wasn't Americanized, with biscuits and jumpers and all. I didn't realize "bin" mean trashcan until nearly the end of the book. So the King Weasley song was a bit confusing.

[You-Know-Who]

Originally posted by rotsiepots (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=390561#post390561))
I don't really see why people are complaining about the over use of the word "mate". It's a more authetic glimpse of British culture and now it's irritating some -- would you rather is was translated to something like "dude"?

Personally, I use "mate" all the time, maybe that's why I'm defending its noble use. ;)


Well, the reason I find it annoying is, that after 5 years of knowing Harry, Ron decided now to use mate and not in some earlier books.

It appeared out of the blue...

[Cat]

Originally posted by You-Know-Who (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=391324#post391324))
Well, the reason I find it annoying is, that after 5 years of knowing Harry, Ron decided now to use mate and not in some earlier books.

It appeared out of the blue...


Well, the way people speak changes as they grow up. I think Ron is becoming more 'laddish'. From little boy to full 'lad'... ah, bless.

[Re'em_Herder]

That mate thing was really annoying. I just couldn't imagine it coming out of Ron's mouth. I mean, he's not the most well spoken person in the world, but still, 'mate'? It's good to see that they aren't changing or "Americanising" (yes, an 's') the book this time 'round, Sorcerer's stone and Platform 9 and 1/2 were quite horrible, they gave Americans a pretty bad reputation as being dumb. I understood taking the mickey out of something and Wotcher, I wasn't I aware that those expressions weren't in America (I'm from Australia, by the way).

[looneylupin]

Well I say sicked up and I live in America, the mickey thing was easy to get, cookies are biscuits, none of the stuff was confusing, its obvious what Whotcher means after a few times.

I loved the unAmericanisn, its set in England isn't it? Let me ask one thing though, how different is the brittish version from the american one? I was thinking about ordering one, if its a lot more Brittish :)

[kenji_cat]

I personally didn't even notice the use of "mate" by Ron. Maybe that's because I'm from NZ and we use it a lot.

Someone said something about words like "biscuit" having to be changed to "cookie" for 'the average american 5 year old'. As some one who read a lot of american books and saw alot of american programs, I never had a problem picking up on the what they meant by things like that. I always just understood that 'mum' was spelt "mom" and 'kleenex' were tissues.

[GrintSistah]

I was very excited about the fact that it was less americanized! i knew what a biscuits were. i did have trouble with Wotcher. did know what that ment and taking the mickey out" was easy to figure out once you read it a couple times.

I didnt have problems with Ron usung the word "mate". i thought it was pretty cool myself.

[Snowpoke]

The only one of all those I noticed was Wotcher. Must spend too much time talking to Brits online or something.

We use effin' around here too. And trash bin sometimes. And budgie sometimes.

[Sandman4888]

I think I just realized something looneyluping meant, didn't they have realized "realised" and that sort. Zs in "Americanish" to S's in "British". It that the way they are spelt in England?

I've heard trash bin, effing (thought that was common in America, I guess it follows second to freakin' aka frickin).

[Amina]

not sure if anyone's answered this, but taking the mickey/michael/piss means to make fun of someone.

i can't remember seeing it in teh book though!

[rotsiepots]

Originally posted by Sandman4888 (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=391499#post391499))
I think I just realized something looneyluping meant, didn't they have realized "realised" and that sort. Zs in "Americanish" to S's in "British". It that the way they are spelt in England?


Yes. After the American War of Independence, the Brits decided to distance themselves from America by making their language more French (makes sense, doesn't it?). S's were used where z's used to reside (eg Americanize vs Americanise) and spellings were changed (eg from program to programme) and that's still the way things are.

Odd.

[Amadeus]

Even though I live in US, I prefer the original, British version of things that JK has written herself...

[Ame]

You know, it didn't even occur to me that there was a difference at all. I've read American and British versions of the books and I never really noticed much of a difference and it doesn't bother me. I didn't even realize that they didn't "Americanize" this book until I read that Harry had gotten a jumper for christmas, and not a sweater. I immedieately thought of a dress out of natural habit, but than it hit me that a jumper is a sweater and I continued on. I think it's good that they hadn't "Amercanized" the novel. It's a book set in Britain why not use the same language and termonology. I hated knowing that the first book was changed to from the Philospher's Stone to the Sorceror's Stone in America... I felt like I was being treated like an idiot knowing that the books were being "dumbed" down for our sake. I mean, it's not like there's a huge language gap or something... so why change the books? Try reading in Japanese... now that'll give you a run for your money...

[Hermione's Twin]

Wotcher is short for Watch you, as in what are you up to, how are you that sorta thing.

Taking the mickey, we do use that phrase quite alot in england.

I didn't realise how annyonig "mate" is!

[Megan]

I got confused with the word wotcher too, i'm british and i've never heard anyone say it in my life, maybe its because i'm from up north i don't know. Everyone says mate though, when i go to watch the match in the pub with my dad nobody has a name, everyones mate.

[keskin_snape]

ALOT of guys use the term 'Mate' in New Zealand. I've never heard the term 'Wotcha' in my life. And can you imagine the 'Weasly is our king' song using the word 'garbage can' instead of bin?

Hosepipes... that one kinda got me..... are they talking about 'pantyhose'?
Oh and we use the term 'taking the piss out of someone' much more than 'taking the mickey'.

[Daveydee]

'Mate' is a term of endearment that here in the UK tends to be particularly confined to mid-teenagers. It tends to be something one grows out of on the whole. The term is probably used across all age ranges more in Australia/New Zealand.

'Wotcher' - I'm British and have never said this in my life. Nor I suspect have 99% of my compatriots. It is a phrase that is particularly unique to the East End of London, whose residents have a language all of their own. So please don't run away with the idea that this is in common usage, because it isn't.

[Goldie]

Finally - a book that was set in England, as opposed to somewhere outside of Chicago.

I didn't have much trouble translating as I went along. "Wotcha" obviously meant "Whatcha doing?" "Hosepipes" caught me off-guard, but after about a second I realized they were talking about an installed sprinkler system, probabaly on a timer, since the neighbor's didn't come on until 3am.

The only phrase I stumbled over was the "taking the mickey" which I sort of connected with Ricky Rat ........ oops, Mickey Mouse. (If you're a Disney fan, I didn't mean to offend you, OK? Most people like Mickey because he reminds them of their innocent, carefree childhood, whereas I see Mickey and think of unbridled corporate greed. )

One of the oddest influences the series has had on me is that I'll come out with something positively British - I'll refer to people as "you lot," I'll say "a bit" instead of "a little", and I've caught myself "sorting things out" on more than one occasion.

I live in Virginia, and boy do I get some odd looks at the office when these things pop out of my mouth, until I explain where it's all coming from. Then the looks get even odder.

The way I see it, if I ever move over there (seriously, maybe in a few years), I'm one up on the language.

And overused as it was, "mate" beats "dude" any day of the week! I hate all that "dude" and "dudette" stuff.

[cathairetic]

I am the oldest person on the boards here (57) and when I was a kid there was a phrase, "slip him a mickey." This was an alcoholic drink called a Mickey Finn that was so strong that if you were an unscrupulous young man out on a date with an innocent girl, you could knock her out with one drink and have your way with her. It also implied putting something to cause unconciousness into one's drink. Therefore I just assumed the worst with the Mickey business in OotP, ie. knock him out.

[JenJen]

I loved how this book did include more British slang, but I don't think it's bad or insulting that the books have been Americanized in the past. It almost is a different language there - I went to the UK with my choir and the director made us learn a bunch of british words so that we wouldn't be hopelessly lost, or even worse, accidentally saying something insulting that isn't considered a bad word here in America.

Also, am I the only one who noticed the word "pitch" was being used more often in this book?

[RhondaWeasley]

I also thought it was good they didn't americanize as much, a few words caught me off guard, but I've never had much trouble figuring out a word in context (or I just look it up, that's why ref. books exsist). I think they changed so much in the first book because they were specifically targeting kids and now they know there's a larger range of age in thier readers AND that many of there readers are older than when they started HP with PS/SS. But I never thought something a character says should be changed anyway, because they are not American characters and shouldn't speak as one in any case. And I think kids reading about British characters should be familiar with the language differences.

I don't know what to think about Ron saying 'Mate', it was new, but sometimes teenagers pick up slang terms and use them more often at different points in there life so it's not that big of a deal.

[cathairetic]

There is no difference in the texts of the British adult and children's edition. The covers or dust jackets are different. I never thought that the first edition's cover was for little children, but I think Bloomsbury figured out that it was another way to get collectors to buy two books. Previously, many adults had been putting other book dust jackets on Harry Potter so that no one on the train, etc., would see what they were reading.

In the American versions many words and phrases were changed since British English and American English are quite different at times. The biggest change of course was 'Sorcerer's Stone.' While I knew what a philosopher's stone was. I expect most Americans did not. However, this change only opened the door to fundamentalist religious groups condemning the books immediately for promoting witchcraft.

The American edition as I read it is 870 pages long (numbered pages). I had read in the media that it was 879 - 886 pages. Perhaps they are counting blanks, author biography and end papers?

After I had read the books, I read the American editions and they were different because so many household and technical words are different, along with general phraseolgy. For example, a fortnight is 'two weeks,'
cark park is 'parking lot,' cooker is 'stove,' jumper is 'sweater,' passage or corridor is 'hallway, lounge is 'livingroom.' At least they did not change cupboard under the stairs to 'closet' under the stairs. In American a cupboard is a cabinet with shelves that hangs on a wall, such as those in kitchens. I cannot list all the differences here but there were very, very many. They replaced the slang words for instance.

All in all, it was absolutely outrageous what they did to the books. Remember, all the foreign language editions have had the characters' names changed, place names changed, etc. and I suppose that the local slang has been inserted to make the story more readily understandable to those for whom English is not a first language.

[FizzingWhizbee]

Eh, I read in a guide book I have - "The Ultimate Unoffical Guide to the Mysteries of HP...etc" that JKR decided not to change words between the British and American versions. Of course, there were a few spelling changes, but really nothing else. I thought this made the book more authentic.

And sorry if someone already brought this up in the thread.

[Endangered]

It is amusing to see how it has confused everyone. I really see no need to change the words, as often there could be an inside joke. It should not take to long to figure out what it means. I'm from Australia and hear sayings from both America and Britain, we all understand both ways of speaking. For instance, an elevator or a lift are quite acceptable to be said here.

I must admit I'd never heard 'Wotcher' before, but it didn't take that long to figure out.

[Puffskein]

Originally posted by Cat (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=388756#post388756))
A budgie! One of those little, annoying yellow (or white) birds that people keep as pets and they just sit there chirping madly all day.


Incidentally, the budgerigar is native to Australia and the name is Aborigine for "good to eat"! :bite:

[Dedalus]

Originally posted by Goldie (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=392044#post392044))
I didn't have much trouble translating as I went along. "Wotcha" obviously meant "Whatcha doing?" "Hosepipes" caught me off-guard, but after about a second I realized they were talking about an installed sprinkler system, probabaly on a timer, since the neighbor's didn't come on until 3am.

I thought they were called hosepipes everywhere, so I don't know what to compare them to but they're not exactly sprinklers ... they're just like the big coil of tubes, that you attach a tap and attack the garden with, because it sprays water everywhere? I know they exist in America, because I've seen hosepipes on US TV shows.

[FizzingWhizbee]

So, what exactly did Wotcher mean?

And what about pate?

[Yavanna]

I just purchased the British version from the British Amazon and I am SO EXCITED!!! Books are cheaper over there, at least your sale prices are less than ours. I CAN'T WAIT! It'll be so cool to see the differences.

[Zephy]

Originally posted by Dedalus (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=395343#post395343))
I thought they were called hosepipes everywhere, so I don't know what to compare them to but they're not exactly sprinklers ... they're just like the big coil of tubes, that you attach a tap and attack the garden with, because it sprays water everywhere? I know they exist in America, because I've seen hosepipes on US TV shows.


Oh, we have them here. Stateside, they're actually just called "hoses" or "garden hoses." I understood imediately what was meant, since beyond the names being similar, the first thing that we're forbidden in drought conditions is the commen uses of hoses .

i'll admit that "Wotcher" had me a bit confused. I had inferred that it was a greeting of some sort, most likely some sort of local dialect. However, I had no clue what it actually meant or was supposed to stand for.

I actually enjoyed the use of alternative dialects. It leant a bit of diversity and depth to the characters. it would be no differnt than those in the southern US using of Y'all, or , even here in Philly , small things like saying "Yous guys" or pronouncing "water" rather like "wooder."

[AggroSkater99]

quit whining and use your reading skills! use context clues! I could read it just fine without any problems. stop complaining americans! your giving my country a bad name!

No offence ment. sorry, just got carried away. anyway, I thought it made the book interesting.

[Knight]

Ah, the United States and Great Britain, two countries separated by a common language.

I did notice a bit more British slant to the english than in previous books, but I think I got everything.

One word I did not understand (not because it is British, I've just never heard the word before) is dais. The Death Arch was sitting on a dais or something like that. Need to look it up.

edit - ok it's a raised platform. I kinda figured that but I thought it was something a bit more singular.

[geminiangel91]

the strange thing is i have the american edition of OotP and on mine Cho said "Happy Christmas"

anyway i loved that they american-ized it alot less.

[Nymphadora]

Originally posted by PhoenixUK (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=390073#post390073))
C'mon people! Frankly, I get really annoyed when I hear about all the Americanisation that happens to the HP books because they are essentially dumbing them down, and treating you like idiots! If you don't get the meaning of biscuits, wotcher or other stuff then someone needs to help you! I'm not sure if you are aware of the amount of criticism you guys got when the American book was released as Sorcerer's stone rather than Philosophers Stone but the gist was that you guys are prettyh dumb. I know you're not cause I've been over to the US but I'm surprised you accepted it - after all, the series is set in the UK, so why would the characters use your American expressions. Phew!

Anyway, I certainly won't be 'checking out' the American version, 'guys'!


I know you probably weren't trying to offend us, but there are MANY in the US that are not complete idiots. And not to sound "cocky" (is that not a word you use over there?) but I am DEFINITLEY NOT an idiot. I tend to understand most British slang, however, I grew up in Connecticut. We don't generally use the term Wotcher. So just because I didn't understand it right away does not mean that I know nothing. Honestly. I will agree in that keeping it more intact with the British version was the better way to go, however, there are still many many little children that were asking, "What's a biscuit mommy?" seeing as we call crackers biscuits more often than cookies. Countries have different customs, different isms, and different slang. That doesn't make it right or wrong...just different. For example, the word "philosopher" tends to be someone incredibly wise, brilliant, and old. I think the word sorcerer might have been better. I personally don't care and it makes no difference to me, but then again, I am 16 and I tend to understand more things than her readers that are 10.

But no, I don't need help even if I don't understand those terms(I got all except Wotcher...). I just happen to live in a very different culture than you do. I apologize for sounding so brutally honest and rude, but well, I'll just say it...you really offended me and my intelligence...:p

[Nymphadora]

Sorry about the last post people...I promise I'm not mean and psycho!!

I thought it was great that she didn't let her American editors change most of the wording and slang. It just makes more sense to keep the book British, seeing as that's where they are...and even though it could get a bit confusing at times, context and such are great at helping you figure it out. Wotcher was a little harder...but hey, it's all good in the end right? Oh and with the mate stuff, it didn't annoy me at all. My friends and I have our words that we say, such as dude and whatnot. So yeah, they're 15, let them say whatever little words they'd like. But yeah, I loved it being more British than American. More realistic.

[DocHollidaywe]

I am glad that they didnt make it Americanized ... I am American, and I love my country, but these books are set in England, lets leave it that way.

[Cat]

Nymphadora, PhoenixUK wasn't calling anybody an idiot. They said that the translators treat you like idiots. In fact, PhoenixUK specifically said that he/she doesn't think US people are all dumb.

Look twice before you take offence ;)

[makkuwata]

im british, and after reading this thread i still have no clue what 'wotcher' means. taking the mickey is a pretty common phrase, and mate is used all the time (it's our 'dude')

don't think that all the words and phrases in the book that you don't understand are the british version of something. we say hose, not hosepipe, we say budgie, not budgerigar. half of the stuff the dursleys say is very localised dialect - i don't think twice when reading 'your lot' but i'd never actually use it.


and on a semi-unrelated note: 'Z' is pronounced ZED, not ZEE :angry:

[Hula]

Originally posted by Nymphadora (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=398191#post398191))
And not to sound "cocky" (is that not a word you use over there?)

For example, the word "philosopher" tends to be someone incredibly wise, brilliant, and old. I think the word sorcerer might have been better.


Cocky - yep, we use that word over here.

"Philosopher" is also the same thing over here - ie. someone who studies philosophy (thinking about life, asking questions, etc.) The reason why "Philosopher's Stone" was used over here because that's an actual thing, or at least, it was thought to be an actual thing. From my dictionary: Philosopher's stone noun, historical a hypothetical substanceable to turn any metal into gold, long sought by alchemists. C14th.

I'm British, and I'm glad that they didn't Americanise the book too much! It's always annoyed me as it's so patronising. But did they still miss out all the Us, eg. flavor instead of flavour, color instead of colour?

[Siren]

As cathairetic alluded to, 'Wotcher' (usually apoken like a question) is indeed a greeting, commonly used in London / South East of England. It has a similar derivation to the Northern Irish 'Bout-ye?' i.e. 'What about you?', 'What is going on with you'? or, simply 'How are you?'

Great to see some more colloquialism in there as well as more regional diversity in the characters !

[Kiki Mv540]

UMMM where in the book was a budgie mentioned?
I don't remember...

[Knight]

Americans: think of "wotcher" along the same lines as "'sup" over here (as in "what's up?").

[Bella Clava]

When I heard (I listen to the Jim Dale tapes) "Hose Pipe restrictions because of the drought" I knew I was in for a more authentic book!

Am I the only one that got hung up with "an alice in her hair"? Using my contextual skills I assumed it was a bow or a hair band, but really have no clue.

I also caught Pitch instead of field. I picked up Stephen Fry's version of Book 2 so I was ready for jumper, dust bins, etc. Canada is just 1/2 an hour south of me, so I knew about biscuit/cracker/cookie. And I guess I'm now officially part of the old crowd (lot?) as I confused "taking the mickey out " with "slipping him a mickey" as well.

A few changes also took place in the Jim Dale audio tapes..... The "I" in Hermione is more pronounced, as was the "t" in Voldemort. Also Bellatrix Lestrange picked up a French accent while in Azkaban. She had a couple of lines in Book 4 ("thow us into Azkaban, Fudge. We will wait.......) and Mr. Dale used a very solid, heavy, confident voice then. In Book 5, she is younger, lighter, faster, and french. Her last name went from La strANge to La StrAHnge as well.

[Hula]

Originally posted by Bella Clava (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=398992#post398992))

Am I the only one that got hung up with "an alice in her hair"? Using my contextual skills I assumed it was a bow or a hair band, but really have no clue.



Alice bands....

http://www.wilko.co.uk/images/products/069509.jpg

http://www.strawberrytoppings.co.uk/sale%20pics/padded%20alice%20band%20small.jpg

http://www.ibuz.co.za/ethnic_africa/media/06092.jpg

Hope that helps!

[Katze]

We call those head bands :D

[phoenixtears]

I'm a Canadian and most of the time, I had no trouble understanding the British terms. The "Wotcher" thing was a bit confusing... but no biggie! I bought the Canadian version (which IS the British version) and the American version. I never understood the AMERICANIZATION... I mean... I KNOW that they can understand it... I'm from Canada and I live just north of them. Our English is quite similar to the Americans but we never needed a CANADIAN version...

It's good to have an insight on British culture...

Headmaster=Principal (for North Americans like me)
Wotcher='Sup?
Alice Bands=Head Bands
Hosepipe=Garden Hose/Hose (I thought it said "horsepipe"! LMAO!)
Mickey=um... still a bit confused
Mate=Dude (I actually liked the Mate thingy)
Happy Christmas=Merry Christmas (I was wondering when I first read the Philosopher's Stone)
Jumpers=Sweaters (I thought jumpers were gowns but that was cleared up)
Dust Bin=Garbage Can (I literally thought it meant a bin to put dust in)

[FizzingWhizbee]

Thanks for the list, phoenixtears. I was confused about Wotcher. I think Mickey means to make fun of, or "take the piss out of", or something along those lines.

I'm currently reading the American GoF... sheesh... it's SO American! I loved the Britishness of OoTP.

[SnowWhiteOwl]

Yeah I did, and I was glad, too...My Azkaban is British, cause I couldn't wait for the American version to be released, and I liked it a lot better...

[AllyKat]

I really did like how our(USA) version was not as americanized as the others.

just a couple of out of the blue questions:
Does anyone know where I can get the British versions of the HP books?
How can you convert pounds to dollars?
What's the exchange rate?

[Nymphadora]

Originally posted by Cat (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=398442#post398442))
Nymphadora, PhoenixUK wasn't calling anybody an idiot. They said that the translators treat you like idiots. In fact, PhoenixUK specifically said that he/she doesn't think US people are all dumb.

Look twice before you take offence ;)


I know I know...oy vey. I got a little carried away...sorry guys! For some odd reason, I was in a mood that made me want to rant, so I apologize for being a brat and an annoying piece of...yes, well, anyway. :D

[Nymphadora]

Originally posted by Hula (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=398843#post398843))
Cocky - yep, we use that word over here.

"Philosopher" is also the same thing over here - ie. someone who studies philosophy (thinking about life, asking questions, etc.) The reason why "Philosopher's Stone" was used over here because that's an actual thing, or at least, it was thought to be an actual thing. From my dictionary: Philosopher's stone noun, historical a hypothetical substanceable to turn any metal into gold, long sought by alchemists. C14th.

I'm British, and I'm glad that they didn't Americanise the book too much! It's always annoyed me as it's so patronising. But did they still miss out all the Us, eg. flavor instead of flavour, color instead of colour?



Perhaps she wanted the children to have a different thought when reading the word sorcerer?? I honestly don't know. I would've prefered Philosopher, but oh well. I don't blame them for thinking American's are stupid...but this is a subject for a different thread :angel:

[Crashcatto]

It should be interesting for me. See, I'm American and I was in Ireland when the book came out. I read it (the only thing that I can think of that completely baffled me was the taking the mickey thing) and now I'm back in teh US with my American version. I haven't really noticed anything different, but I;m not that far in it. The only major differences to me are the cover, the # of pages, the fact the American version has little illustrations at the beginning of the chapters, and special font is used more.

I'll have to look for more specific details.

[NotAboutDebra]

Did anyone else feel like JKR's editor took a year off?

[Nymphadora Tonks]

Yeah, they didn't change a lot of the Englsih-style writing in it, as well. And they kept switching from Merry Christmas to Happy Christmas...I was like, make up your mind!

[Oddfellow]

I sort of liked the Brittish Slang in it. It made it feel more authentic to me.

[Daveydee]

In Britain we say both Merry Christmas and Happy Christmas in equal measure.

Concerning the English-style writing - only to be expected from an English-style author, writing about English-style children, being taught by English-style teachers in an English-style school.

[NeedAM!nT]

Yeah the way they talked was cool with "Mate" and all that. It was a bit confusing when they used phrasing that are European insted of American, but it makes you wonder more about it. Besides, when I first read the first book (the year it came out - I was really young then) I thought they were American until I read that they lived in England.

[Oddfellow]

LOL @ Daveydee

[Earendil]

I see no problem with exposing us non-British kids to some healthy English-style writing.

I know that it confused alot of people, but that's why we read books, isn't it--to learn? I personally enjoyed it; the occasional British-style slang made it feel more natural and authentic. No reason to edit it for stylistic differences.

[Catherine Weasley]

Yeah, i liked how they kept all the English slang in there. the story is set in England, so it's good they kept the original words in for us Americans; I think it makes it feel more real.

[Katze]

Personally, I'm glad they didn't change much.

[Crystal]

I feel it was more a case of hack and burn editing! bits which could have been done in a page had reams of prose and tense, exciting pieces were skipped with very little description.
Quite sad really!

[Kneazle]

I'm going to merge this with a previous thread titled 'American book was a lot less American-ized', which covers pretty much the same subject. :)

I, too, am glad that the Scholastic version was not edited to the same extent as the other four were. Because of the British slang and the other UK references, OotP seemed more authentically British than the previous books had. It helped to make the book a bit more enjoyable.

[Yavanna]

Alley...I just ordered the British versions! Go to Amazon.co.uk!

[Fleur]

I was really glad the American version had more British terminology than the previous ones. It seems like JKR and the editors are slowly introducing more British words than changing it all. However, I still noticed in the American version "bangs" is used (I believe the british term is fringe?) so some words were changed.

[Runes]

I didn't want to start a new thread for one question so...

I've always read the American versions of the books, but this time my OotP book was the British version. Much better, in my opinion. Anyway, you know when Harry sets that meeting up in the Hog's Head? Well, Neville says "and harry also saved the Philological Stone from You-know-who."

I was wondering how that little joke was Americanized.

[marspeach]

In the American version he called it a Sorcerous Stone.

[Maggles_W]

I think sometimes the books do need to be Americanized because I asked my hole household what Taking the mickey out was and none of us knew as with some other things which just made it confusing, it's like trying to read something in a different language....maybe they should put a glossary in the back!

[Kery Kendish]

Hmm...I would have loved the British versions(Enid Blytons books were my favorite) considering the fact that I grew up in the environment and now live in the US. Why even make an American and a British version anyway. Then might as well make a Swiss and a German version, or even better a Bavarian and North German one(I am German). Whatever the case might be, I do think it is a bit inconsiderate saying some nationalities are dumber than others just because they have different cultures. The population in the States is huge compared to the UK. So, yes you would have a larger number or uneducated people to chosse from. Not that I am the smartest.
But in this case, it did look awkward seeing "mom" instead of "mum." Unless the Brits use "mom" now as well. :rotfl:

[Sinistra]

Well, when they translate the books into other languages, they do change it into a "German, Swiss French etc." version, just by virtue of changing the language. Then there is that quote about Britain and America being two countries divided by the same language.

I liked that OOtP was not changed all that much. The editing could have been tighter--there seemed to be holes and unclear areas, but that has nothing to do with language and everything to do with wanting to get the book out as fast as possible. I like the British idioms, is makes it a more British book. Which it is. And I agree with the comment that sometimes the editors treat their audience like idiots. I don't have a dictionary definition of "taking the mickey out of" but it seems to be a reference to teasing or more colloquailly, "taking the starch out of". I get meaning from context, and the book doesn't suffer for it.

[Hermione Cosplayer]

I just loved how close to the UK version it was. I have the US, UK, and Japanese versions of the previous books, but this time I don't need to be in any hurry to order the UK version. In the case of the first 4 books, when I reread them, I only reread the UK versions out of preference.

[rons-lover]

I read British novels ALLLLLLLLLLL the time.! So I understood the stuff no problem, and I realized... "Wow!!! They're NOT Americanizing it so much!!!" Of course with the exception of measurements and Sorceror's Stone.

But yeah Snogging = Kissing... hehe It was used many times.!

And there was so many other british things too... I keep using 'bloke' now.!

[cathairetic]

This was my first American edition, but I will buy the British edition and read that and keep it for my bookshelf.

[bubblesofdeath88]

I didn't like that they used the word jumper several times.

[Amadeus]

wotcher... there's something that I didn't know..lol

[Lauren Strohfeldt]

i didnt get the wotcher thing either and me being australian and giving the fact that some british slang is also used in aus i though i would no most it. bu when i read the book and she kept saying wotcher i was just like "what the ****" and if it wasnt 4 going in this thread i would have never founf out what it meant

[crazytaxi]

I'm so relieved they didn't change so much this time. I have always assumed you missed out on so much of the flavour of the books. It would be like me reading 'To kill a Mockingbird' and they're saying "goodness me, is that a mad dog strolling along the road? Well I never!" it just wouldn't be right!

In fact there are a lot of jokes that probably don't translate too well, but that's inevitable. I was IM-ing with an American friend about a favourite line of mine. It's in PoA, at Xmas, when Trelwaney is going on and on, and MacGonagall leans towards her, offering her a bowl of food, and says "Tripe, Sybil?". I howled with laughter but my friend didn't get it. Maybe in some places in the US this makes sense, but unless you know the food 'tripe' is also an expression meaning 'rubbish' (garbage ;) ) then it doesn't have the same ring to it.

Somebody asked about the exchange rate (sorry, long thread, can't remember who).

$15 would be about £10.

And about the measurements. It's quite likely that it wasn't changed. I can't remember specifics, but if somebody said, "it's 100 yards down the road" or "I'm five foot six" of "it's a foot long" then it wasn't changed. Although we use the metric system for all science etc we still talk in Imperial units. So we still have mileometers (sp?) and grow in feet and inches. Then again we weigh ourselves in stones...but that's a whole other story. :)

And to the people who keep typing "take the mickey out", you have me LMOA every time. I'm not being cruel, it just sounds very funny. It's like you've got a pet mickey and you're going for a walk with it! You have to say "taking the mickey" or "taking the mickey out of". :)

And the hosepipe probably wasn't on automatic (this was mentioned a while back). During droughts here people sneak out in the middle of the night to water their lawns. Quite why we ever have droughts here is another matter entirely!

And I think 'mate' may have been a phase they were going through. Like all the kids saying 'mint' (meaning 'good') over here a while back. Nobody says it anymore. I do use mate alot though, but never wotcher...very southern English, is wotcher! ;)

[FredRocksMySocks]

I like that, its more authentic! It's not hard at all to figure out what they're referring to, and I think it adds a bit of culture to the books! Makes me want an english accent lol!

[cathairetic]

In fact there are a lot of jokes that probably don't translate too well, but that's inevitable. I was IM-ing with an American friend about a favourite line of mine. It's in PoA, at Xmas, when Trelwaney is going on and on, and MacGonagall leans towards her, offering her a bowl of food, and says "Tripe, Sybil?". I howled with laughter but my friend didn't get it. Maybe in some places in the US this makes sense, but unless you know the food 'tripe' is also an expression meaning 'rubbish' (garbage ) then it doesn't have the same ring to it.

That is one of my all time favourite lines from the HP series! Someone posted a pic of this in another thread last year.

[cathairetic]

I think it was Inkwolf who drew that picture? Whoever did it, own up, it's great!

Sorry about the double post but I wanted to clear up the 'taking the mickey out of' that we have been going on about. I have this book, "British English, A to Zed," and in it is this definition:

take the mickey out of
Slang. Aggressively, to undermine self-confidence. Also, take the mick out of; take the piss out of. An illustration of the precise meaning of this phrase appears from the poignant story, report in The Daily Telegraph (London) of September 20, 1980, of the mother of a young mass murderer on the run, who received in the mail from her son recent snapshots of himself and the other wanted man. She was quoted as follows: "Look at Jimmy in these pictures - not a care in the world... he is taking the mickey out of me like this. He is laughing at me and trying to upset me..."

[McKinnon02]

I had to ask what wotcher meant, being American myself. I got so confused when she kept saying that to Harry, I thought he was misinterpreting her accent...then I realized that I was. I thought she was saying something like Watch Her, and I thought it was a very strange greeting to give. :)

[Godrics_Heiress]

I still don't know what Wotcher means, although I suppose it means "What's up?" Anyway, I agree that the American edition isn't Americanized enough. The good thing is, the British slang left unchanged in the books are easy enough to discern---an American can use common sense to understand some of those words.

[Lady Insanity]

I loved that OoTP was a lot less Americanized, but I think maybe there should be a glossary or something. When Tonks said wotcher to Harry, I seriously thought she was cussing at him! I had to read it about 5 times before I got what she meant

[Picko]

I don't think that anyone outside of those living in Great Britain knew what 'Wotcher' meant. I know I didn't and as an Australian I generally know a lot of the British slang. That said when read in the context it was in the word was pretty easy to work out. As was the rest of the British slang for that matter :)

[Lady Greyjoy]

Funnily I got Wotcher, "taking the Mickey", snogging and bins right away, the only thing I was puzzled about was "bugerdarians" but i just let it slide.

However i must protest: kissing>snogging

[rotsiepots]

Funnily I got Wotcher, "taking the Mickey", snogging and bins right away, the only thing I was puzzled about was "bugerdarians" but i just let it slide.

Budgerigar? I'm not sure what a "bugerdarian" is, but it sounds contagious.

:)

[Amina]

i think we as brits don't really think about americans understanding our slang, and the reason for this is that we understand most of yours, due to tv and films. so i think we kind of expect you to understand us, and forget that we dont' export our media to quite the same level.

i will never forget seeing chicken run in bermuda (where i grew up), and at the end the weasel goes 'what a load of cobblers' - essentially means 'what a load of rubbish', but it bypassed the majority of people in the audience. i think you had it with subtitles?

[mirandam]

I think that a lot of Americans do understand most of the slang from the same things also. The younger population may not though. I would rather have the British copies myself, to me it makes it more authentic. Most of the slang can be figured out from the content of the sentence though. Like some have said, a glossary in back would of been fine to instead of changing it. I have read many books that do this that are set way back, and the old language is used in the writing.

[Marie Lexis]

Actually because there are so many people watching and reading Harry Potter, alot of Americans are starting to use British slang. And also because of What a Girl Wants. And because of that I would have no problem understanding what they are saying. And it doesn't matter if it is translated into American slang. What matters is that she's actually writing the books. I think that they should just leave it the way it is. Like someone said before in the first couple posts, we are reading about the British. Not America.

[Yugi]

when ever i don't get a word, I use context clues.

But I have enough Knowledge of British speak to understand Harry Potter fully.

[Marissa]

Did anyone else notice that the American version wasn't very American-ized at all.

For example:
Weasley 'jumpers' instead of the Weasley 'sweaters' mentioned in previous American versions
'snogging' isn't exactly an American word
'mum' was used a lot (I remember that 'mom' was used in previous American versions)

Actually, the only American-ized thing that I noticed was the mention of the Sorcerer's stone (not the Philosopher's stone)

I loved how everything was so British...i Canada we get the British version of the books anyways...usually for spelling reasons like 'colour' not 'color'.
i understood the dialect jokes...some i had to think about, but most were cool.
i wouldn't like the series as much if they were to change it around, and americanize it..its authentically british...that shouldn't be changed.

[Da_Chinkster]

Is there really a whole lot of 'British' words in the HP books?? being English obviously I wouldnt notice it but is there really that much??

[LilyEvans]

Must be. I mean, 'snogging', 'mum', and all the different spellings. But it's a British book with English, Welsh, Scottish... and Irish, though it's not part of Britain - characters, and we don't get stuff translated for us when American books come over. It just gives it a better feel.

Oh, and 'wotcher', which I think confused many people not familiar with London dialect.

[Optimus Prime]

The British authenticity is wonderful, because it makes the books even that much more of a fantasy world for an American like me. The amercanization of HP makes the books sound too muggle, too commonplace ;)

You should all write to JKR or her publisher and say that you want them to start releasing the pure UK version in the US, and just include a slang glossary in the back. That would be sweetness.

[madamepomfrey]

I don't see why this would be a big deal to american readers (myself included) because just in the US we have all kinds of different slang in different areas of the country. My mom lives about 8 hours away from me in Missouri (I am in Arkansas) and there is a big difference in accent and slang between what ppl use there and what ppl use here. My brother lives in Washington state and the folks up there can barely understand me. LOL

[Optimus Prime]

Since we're discussing versions, does anyone know what is different about the "Adult Edition" of the books??

[funkeybaby]

I agree with everyone who has said that they enjoy the little bit of British slang that made it into the American books, but I also think that a little glossary at the back of the book wouldn't hurt.

I live in Western Pennsylvania and everyone here calls their mother "Mum" so that one wasn't new for me. But I have no clue what a "budgerigar" is. Is it like a groundhog? Could someone please enlighten a confused American? It would be much appreiciated.

[la_ginny]

I never really struggled with the British slang in the American books, but I recently bought the whole set of the Bloomsbury-printed UK versions. And I've noticed quite a few changes in the first two books, but as the series progresses, it seems they gave up on "Americanizing" it. Doesn't bother me, really. I rather enjoy the British slang, and my friends and I have starting words like "git" and "loo" in everyday conversation. :rotfl:

[Da_Chinkster]

WEll it does save the publishers money on getting an AMerican to read through the book and change all the british slang to american

[harripottrfreek]

I noticed that it was a lot less American-ized, but I liked it...I didn't understand somethings, but once I did I was like cool...cause it seems more proper...I mean the movies are way American-ized so I'm glad the books aren't...hehe.

[madamepomfrey]

A budgerigar is a parakeet.

[BlueSnitch]

How confusing was that?!?!?!?!?

[Neptune]

I also liked that the American version of OOTP was less Americanized then the other American published Potter books.

I have the all the Potter books in the American published, hard cover and I also have them in the UK published, hard cover as well. I have yet to read the UK versions of the books. I think the next time I decided to re read the books I'll give the UK versions a go, to see how different they really are.

[Kirsten]

A budgerigar (or budgie) isn't a parakeet, although it's like a small parakeet. They are different birds though. Budgies are native Australian birds, but they're very popular as cage birds in Britain. We had several when I was a child. My Grandad used to breed them.

I think the only difference with the Adult Edition books is the covers - they are supposed to be more adult covers so grownups aren't embarrassed to read them in public. I'm 33 and I don't worry about it - I just buy the standard ones!

Here's a budgie, just for information.

http://www.zille.com/gates/images/collage.jpg

They are really quite small birds, maybe 6 inches long, and adorably cute. If you just have one, you can teach them to speak, but if you have more than one they don't learn - they just talk to each other in budgie talk. If I wasn't so allergic, I'd get one, 'cos they're lovely wee things.

[funkeybaby]

MadamePomfrey and Kirsten,
Thank you very much for the information. I don't know why I thought a budgerigar was a rodent of some kind. Now, thanks to Kirsten, when I re-read OotP I will be able to picture a cute little birdie riding around on water-skis, and not the awkward badger I had been picturing. You learn something new everyday!
Thanks again,
from the dumb American!

[Rinn Shiryuu]

I think that's good that they didn't change it... Well, It's aout British characters, ne? It's kinda' starnge when they use american words...

I read the book in Polish so I couldn't see all the 'mate's, 'loo's and 'jumpers'. Oh :( After reading somewhere one chapter in english, when Ron used the word 'mate' and Draco love [I think! I could be wrong...] 'bloody hell'... I started to use them too when I chat o.o Hmm.

[Optimus Prime]

After reading this thread I went back and re-read the UK/Canada version of COS, and:

a. There were fewer differences than I had expected.
b. The typeset of the American version was easier to read. I kept on wishing that I was reading the nice clean typeset with that 1.5 pt linespacing that they use on the US version.

I think that it was wise for them to switch things like "jumper" with "sweater", but I thought that it was pretty lame that they swapped "mad" with "crazy". I mean, i think that all americans know that 'mad' can also mean that someone is insane, and in the context of the book it was clearly the intended meaning (i'm referring to a passage on the last few pages of COS).

[Jinxed]

Since we're discussing versions, does anyone know what is different about the "Adult Edition" of the books??

According to a friend of mine who works in Waterstones - absolutley nothing! Apparently they just have more adult covers because some adults feel self conscious about buying kids' books. The story, however, is completely unchanged. She also said that they get people coming to buy Harry Potter with no idea that it is a kids book - I mean, where would you have to have been not to know that?!

[mevam]

When I first read PS/SS with the Canadian Edition, which is basically the British version of the story, I was confused by some of the meanings. For example, Hermione kept mentioning "revising" for exams, and I assumed that meant studying, but I've just never heard it put like that before.

[NotoriousRaz]

Yeah revising is studying

[bowlwoman]

I have both the American English versions and the British English versions, and I must say I prefer the British English ones. I never understood why TPTB at Scholastic felt they needed to change the text. IMHO, if a children read "rubbish" and don't understand its context, they should be able to look it up in a dictionary and see that it's a synomyn for "garbage" or "trash". I also think a lot of the fun little jokes were lost, like when they substituted "scotch tape" for "sellotape". I didn't get the joke of "Spellotape" until I read the UK version.

I grew up reading romance novels published by UK publishing houses that weren't changed for American readers (they used the "our" instead of "or" spellings for words like color (colour), flavor (flavour); they also kept the quotation marks the same, with 'quotes' for direct quotes and "quotes" for indirect ones). I thought it was fascinating as a teenager, that two cultures so bound by tradition, culture and language could have so many things the same yet a few so different. I thought it was cool.

I also think that you lose a bit in the translation, that more flavor (or flavour, if you will) is gained from reading the books as they were originally published. You gain the nuances from the puns and descriptions, and if you don't understand something, you find out about it. IT HELPS US LEARN! :D

bowlwoman

[Blackwillbeback]

I thoght a budgerigar was some sort of boat or helicopter
thanks for the info

[Claireyellen]

When I first read PS/SS with the Canadian Edition, which is basically the British version of the story, I was confused by some of the meanings. For example, Hermione kept mentioning "revising" for exams, and I assumed that meant studying, but I've just never heard it put like that before.
We here in the wonderful UK use both sayings revising is studying but for an exam. Studying can just mean doing school work/home work. Revising is what I'm doing now - going over old notes to recall the info I need for my four exams in the morning.

Is really 'funny' reading this thread, realisig that words I use everyday - jumper, trainers, torch, dustbin and loo. I have the US version of GoF on tape (was cheaper) and is weird hearing them using 'american' words such as sweater and sneakers. I don't like it. One thing I did note was atleast harry called his mum 'mum' and not 'mom'. Something I was worried would come up. It also in GoF says 'rubbish bins' when Moody is attacked at the start. This is a British saying right?

[bowlwoman]

It also in GoF says 'rubbish bins' when Moody is attacked at the start. This is a British saying right?

I believe so. In the US, we usually say "trash cans" or "garbage cans". The only people I've ever heard refer to them as "rubbish bins" usually have lived for some time in the UK.

bowlwoman

[RJBradbrook]

i'm from Australia so trhe "Mate" thing didn't bother me as i use it about 20 times a day and so does just about everyone else here.

[Lanya Celebrian]

Personally I think they should keep the books the same way they are published everywhere. I live in America, and I'm not bothered by the different terms; I find that the original version should be kept intact rather disorientated to suit another country's/person's liking. If they did that in every single country it would be like make more than 45 different version of one book which is more than annoying.

And I like the term "mate"! I use it in everyday language XD!

[glugunkwen]

One thing I did note was atleast harry called his mum 'mum' and not 'mom'.

I'm from the US and for some reason I have always called my mother, "mum" - so I was really glad this stayed the same as well! I really want to get my hands on a British edition of the books after reading this thread!

[effulgent]

One thing that's always confused me is the food...I love food...but am unfamiliar with British food...what the heck is treacle tart, anyway???

That's the only one I can think of at the moment...but I always have loads of food questions when I read the books...

(steak and kidney pie...ewwww!)

[RageTheBat]

I heard that by book four, they had made trade-offs with both versions. For example, both the British versions and the American versions say "sweater," but they also both say "dustbin" instead of "trashcan."

[mco03b12085]

One thing that's always confused me is the food...I love food...but am unfamiliar with British food...what the heck is treacle tart, anyway???

That's the only one I can think of at the moment...but I always have loads of food questions when I read the books...

(steak and kidney pie...ewwww!)

lol.. I have the exact same problem reading the books. I never know what they're eating either & treacle tart is mentioned constantly :huh:. Usually, I just picture some Americanized food & keep reading.

[Kirsten]

Treacle tart is - well, it's treacle tart. Like lemon tart, but with treacle. A pastry case with a treacle filling.

[Dottie]

Treacle tart is - well, it's treacle tart. Like lemon tart, but with treacle. A pastry case with a treacle filling.

Treacle is like lemons, vanilla and butter isn't it? :huh:

[Folgers]

I haven't taken the time to read the six pages yet, but I'm just going to make a somewhat quick comment :)

I'm an American and I love the fact that the editors don't change every term over to Americanese. Sure, sometimes you have to ask someone what a word means or (God forbid) consult a *gasp* dictionary if no one knows, but it's good for people to do that. It's good for us to sit here and discuss what the heck treacle tart is (lol, I dunno either) and to hear a different way of speaking altogether. I loath being surrounded by people who are completely ignorant of the world around them and cannot possibly cope with the fact that there are other terms for items than just the ones they're used to. We should become more worldly!

My mom's a librarian at my old High School and she frequently complains about the binding the American versions have (off topic but bear with me). I told her to order the British versions instead but she responded with "You know very well those kids won't have a clue what's going on" because of the lack of "editing". It's sad that the word "jumper" can confuse so many people when the meaning - so even if you didn't know exactly what they were referring to - can be inferred from the context of the story.

I actually have a version where the editors messed up - calling West Ham (or whatever team it is) a soccer team in one sentence and then football in the next. And that's not confusing?

All I know is, since my American books are falling apart, I'm buying the British versions next :D

[Dottie]

One could always consult an American to British, British to American Online Dictionary. :lol:

EDIT: Removed link. It sort of, erm, defined too much. :blush:

[ragga]

i like the book the british way..i mean yes its a british book, by a british author and set in britain and so should use un-americanized words...other countried should just accept an other cultures way of speaking...(by the way many words in the dictionary are actualy borrowed words from other cultures and countries and so not exactly british, but lets not get into detail here)

i am british and so yeah maybe i am biased and proud of my language and culture.

mate is just i dont know maybe a from a more yorkshire dialect, i say it a lot and come from the northe ast of england...and about him suddenly saying it, well i go through those phases of where you have a word and cant stop saying it all the time.(at the moment its take it easy, catch ya later,totaly)

also when other cultures read those books they may finally grasp the idea that the british people do not speak in a posh accent saying jolly good etc...i speak with quite a broad accent,mre closer to scotish than anything....so rons 'mate' finaly makes us sound less posh...

taking the mickey is just i dont know, making fun of someone,

in reply to someone earlier the difference between the adult and normal books are the covers i think thats all...just adults are supposedly said to be enbarressed of being seen with a childs cover....'strange'

[Kirsten]

Treacle is like lemons, vanilla and butter isn't it?
Who on earth told you that? :rotfl: Treacle is like syrup, but thicker and richer. You can get some information about it here: treacle (www.sugarindia.com/treacle.htm).

I actually have a version where the editors messed up - calling West Ham (or whatever team it is) a soccer team in one sentence and then football in the next. And that's not confusing?
Soccer and football are the same thing. "Soccer" is a derivation of "association football," which is the full name for football. It's distinguished from rugby football, which is normally known just as rugby.

I think it's a shame that separate versions have been printed in American English. If they had been left as intended, American kids would have had to make the effort to look up the words they didn't know, which would have broadened their education and extended their knowledge of another culture. All of you obviously have internet access - you could have looked for an explanation of treacle or Sellotape or budgerigar yourselves.

[glugunkwen]

After reading all these posts - I ordered British versions of the first 2 books from Amazon-UK. Can't wait to get them!

[Claireyellen]

I actually have a version where the editors messed up - calling West Ham (or whatever team it is) a soccer team in one sentence and then football in the next. And that's not confusing?
Lol, well I think they call it soccer in one of the British books too maybe why they overlooked the football bit when editing. I remember them doing it because I was supriesed at the Americanism. Well I think it's there or I'm going insane.

[Kirsten]

In the UK, football and soccer are the same thing.