User talk:Rasheed2222
Fundamental Considerations when Adding Arabic Names[edit]
Welcome to the Wikia, Rasheed! I suggest reading this to improve your contributions to this Wikia's Arabic names. It's a bit long, but I believe it to be quite useful.
First, there are two types of Arabic names, Official Arabic names and Approximated Arabic names.
-Official Arabic names are the ones used in the Anime, since there currently is no OFFICIAL Arabic card game.
- When adding Approximated Arabic names, you must place the following tag above the card table:
The Arabic name given is an approximation
Examples: Stardust Dragon, Dark World Grimoire, Torrential Tribute
- Strongly consider explaining the Arabic name in the card’s Names page. Include a translation, and reason for difference from other names when applicable.
- THE SHADDA RULE: In the Arabic names, always use the Shadda on names. The only exception is on Solar Letters after "Al-". For example, in Stardust Dragon’s name (تنّين الغبار النجميّ) we place the Shadda on the (ن) in (تنّين) and on the (ي) in (النجميّ), but we do not place it on the (ن) in (النجميّ) because it already follow the Solar (ال).
- If you want to change the name of a card that already has an Arabic name, you should consider speaking with the name’s submitter, or myself at least, before doing so.
-Approximated Arabic names should be translations of the English or Japanese names, but this is not always the case. You must also consider the following:
- Censorship: It is not uncommon that the Arabic censorship will not accept some names, most commonly for religious reasons. According to the Arabic censorship in the Anime, using words like "Devil" (شيطان) or "God" (إله) etc. is deemed unacceptable because of religious reference. Also, "Magician" (ساحر) is commonly changed to “Knight” (فارس) or such if it used in a positive sense, like is the case in Dark Magician (فارس الظلام) who is considered a protagonist. "Magical" (سحريّ) is commonly changed to "Wondrous" (عجيب) like in Magic Formula. Since these are official censorships, approximated names should follow the same pattern. It is worthy to note that the Anime translates "Fiend" as (شرّير). The "Magician" and "Magic" rules don't apply if they are ment to sound evil.
- Relation to other cards: Many cards are related to each other by names, like in Archetypes. All Crystal Beasts, for example, have (وحش الجوهرة) "Jewel Monster" (from Japanese: "Gem Beast") in their names. Also, consider cards that are mentioned in other cards’ names, like how Harpie's Pet Dragon (تنّين ذات المخالب الأليف) "Clawed’s Pet Dragon" has Harpie Lady (ذات المخالب) "Clawed" in its name.
- When transliterating names, like Kuriboh and Watapon. You should use these extra letters that aren’t normally present in Arabic:
- The “G” sound would be (گ) with 3 dots. Like in “Gaia” (گايا)
- The “V” sound would be (ڤ) with 3 dots. Like in “Virus” (ڤيروس)
- The “P” sound would be (پ) with 3 dots. Like in “Watapon” (واتاپون)
- Although rare, sometimes translating the English or Japanese name directly just doesn’t work in Arabic. For example Torrential Tribute doesn’t make sense in Arabic, that’s why the approximated Arabic name is (السيل المغرق) "Drowning Torrent". It still focuses on the same thing, a "Torrent" that drowns all monsters on the field, i.e. a "Drowning Torrent". Adding an explanation to the card’s Names page of the card is good idea.
-Well, that’s all I can think of … for now. Sorry for writing so much stuff. If you have anything to say regarding the above, just talk to me on my Talk Page.
Good luck! -- Melik el-Al'ab 22:04, 13 September 2008 (UTC) ملك الألعاب Z
