Herpes
11-06-2006, 18:52
(Everything is IMHO)
When it comes to naming, I like it when translations of simple names are kept only to Greek/Latin/English. Translating just simple words like "spearman" or "Infantry" is kinda pointless. Its only a place-holder for a common name, its not addding any depth, just complexity. You might as well just use a symbolic code at that point as you are just translating a common term from one language to the next, not translating a original name that was historic. ($93@R/\/\3/\/- elite spearmen :no: )
Now "Wild-Boars", "Shield-barrers", "Thunder-warriors" or even specific names for nobility like "Tavadebi" or "Boyar" are different. They do add depth, they show more of what ancient peoples were. You get more out of the name than a translation. When you hear "Boyar" you get a completly different meaning than "Heteroi". Although both could be labled as "heavy cavalry" in their own languages, their unique names make them very different in time-period and tactics.
Just saying spearman or infantry in another language is not unique at all. Saying "Mshvildosani" or archer in Georgian, adds no more meaning or context than explicitly saying "Iberian archer". You are not narrowing down the time-period, the tactics or anything.
Just keep things in the Greek (like toxotai) if you want to add flavor and avoid confusion. If however there has been more historical digging, and a unique name is found like "foot-companions" or "sacred-band" by all means use the original name (with a translation in the description). That is depth, not just flavor.
Hastatii actuallty means "spearmen" in latin, but its a historical name that adds depth not just translation. Translating "Roman Swordsmen" and "Elite Roman Swordsmen" to latin just isnt as deep as saying "Hastati" and "Principes". Both are in the native factions language, but can you see how they are different? Its harder for lesser factions but the concept still remains.
Find names not translations.
When it comes to naming, I like it when translations of simple names are kept only to Greek/Latin/English. Translating just simple words like "spearman" or "Infantry" is kinda pointless. Its only a place-holder for a common name, its not addding any depth, just complexity. You might as well just use a symbolic code at that point as you are just translating a common term from one language to the next, not translating a original name that was historic. ($93@R/\/\3/\/- elite spearmen :no: )
Now "Wild-Boars", "Shield-barrers", "Thunder-warriors" or even specific names for nobility like "Tavadebi" or "Boyar" are different. They do add depth, they show more of what ancient peoples were. You get more out of the name than a translation. When you hear "Boyar" you get a completly different meaning than "Heteroi". Although both could be labled as "heavy cavalry" in their own languages, their unique names make them very different in time-period and tactics.
Just saying spearman or infantry in another language is not unique at all. Saying "Mshvildosani" or archer in Georgian, adds no more meaning or context than explicitly saying "Iberian archer". You are not narrowing down the time-period, the tactics or anything.
Just keep things in the Greek (like toxotai) if you want to add flavor and avoid confusion. If however there has been more historical digging, and a unique name is found like "foot-companions" or "sacred-band" by all means use the original name (with a translation in the description). That is depth, not just flavor.
Hastatii actuallty means "spearmen" in latin, but its a historical name that adds depth not just translation. Translating "Roman Swordsmen" and "Elite Roman Swordsmen" to latin just isnt as deep as saying "Hastati" and "Principes". Both are in the native factions language, but can you see how they are different? Its harder for lesser factions but the concept still remains.
Find names not translations.