On the topic of dictionaries, I found this Dictionary of Military Terms: English-Japanese, Japanese-English, which is emblazoned "Property of U.S.," in a used book store in the Milwaukee airport, of all places. First published in 1942, the preface declares that "it may be of some assistance to those students who, in the course of their studies, find it necessary to make translations of a military character." Indubitably.
It remains the only dictionary in my collection that contains such helpful entries as "intermediate ammunition depot" and "Corporal, 3rd Class, Wheel-wright" (陸軍工兵三等木工長, duh! DUH!)
My very first Japanese teacher, a woman by the name of Jean Morden, learned the language as part of a crash program initiated during World War II to get Americans up to speed in Japanese. I recall her telling me that her duties once included translating diaries and letters captured from fallen soldiers on the battlefield. I often think about her when I'm working on another video game or manga translation, musing at how things change over the course of just a few decades.
Hah...I know exactly what bookstore that is. I've found some good stuff there over the years.
Posted by: hillsy | March 04, 2009 at 02:53 PM
That book could be the single most valuable book in your library.
Translating military terms is one of the stumbling blocks, because taken 'word by word' can get you A meaning, but it's devoid of the context and subtext that is part of the Japanese language.
Right away you now have the most awesome power potential when it comes to translating U.C. Gundam stuff. Especially if it's anything from original 1979 Gundam.
I am filled with envy :)
Posted by: Steve Harrison | March 05, 2009 at 03:53 AM
Hey, Jean Morden was my Japanese teacher,too! Where did you go to school, and when did you graduate?
Posted by: elmo5159 | March 12, 2009 at 03:13 AM
Bethesda, Maryland. Early Nineties. How about yourself?
Posted by: MattAlt | March 12, 2009 at 08:59 AM