Many people have been given for the phenomenal popularity of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. For some critics, it is the narrator’s magical mix of narrative tricks; for others, she has simply captured the atmosphere of the moment. Yet few admit her gift for language. For translators, who have contributed to the international success of the series, the books represent a major challenge. Tolkiens’s epic, “ Lord of the Rings”, made up mystical locations and forgotten languages with names of hobbits, elves and dark powers. In a less dramatic way Rowling evokes a world with names for people, places and enchantment, and even a new sport, Quidditch.
Like many common English surnames (such as Smith, and Taylor), Potter was originally a trade name. Yet the fact that the Potter is a “ maker of pots” would suggest that Harry is more creative. Draco Malfoy is the perfect name for a villain. Draco is Latin for dragon or snake, and Malfoy comes from the old French for bad faith. Voldemort’s name is the most sinister of all, suggesting desire for death.
Rowling’s names are inventively borrowed from history, mythology, geography, literature and various languages. Hedwig (Edwiges) is a saint. Dursley and Flitwick are English towns. Flint is a frightening character in the children’s classic, “Treasure Island”. Fawkes is named after Guy Fawkes, the man who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605: a good name for a fiery phoenix. “Translating the names is one of the pleasures that go with this book,” said Bea Masini, a European interpreter of Rowling. “ It’s necessary to find the right balance between the suffocating search for the correct synonyms and the book’s right to simplicity.
(Adapted from: “ Speak Up”, july 2007)
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