Translating Manga Fandom: The Case of Manga Scanlation

Matteo Fabbretti Translation Studies PhD

Cardiff University

Descriptive Translation Studies

• To describe translation phenomena

• To establish general principles by means of which these phenomena can be explained

(Holmes 2000, 176)

Three types of research in DTS

• Product oriented DTS describes existing translations (text-focused)

• Function oriented DTS describes the function of translations (context-focuses)

• Process-oriented DTS describes the act of translating itself (focus on the ‘mind’ of the translator)

Welcome to Matteo’s function-oriented DTS study!

• How can we study scanlation?

• What influences are exerted in consequence of the selection and translation practices of manga scanlators?

Scanlation• Scanning + Translating

• Typically Involves: a raw provider, a cleaner/redrawer, a translator/proofreader, a typesetter, and a quality controller

• At first, a local phenomenon limited to a niche of manga fans in the U.S.

• With the expansion of the internet has become a global phenomenon

• Scanlated manga is read by millions of people all over the world

The Transcultural Network of Scanlation

Scanlation as a practice constitutive of transcultural communities of manga fans

Mangafox.me

An example of transcultural manga fan community

Conclusion

Scanlation as transfer• Of a repertoire of drawing styles and narratives targeting specific age and gender demographics

• Of a tradition of participation surrounding manga culture in Japan

• Of a representation of Japanese fandom that is relevant to the sensibilities of scanlators