The Flower Banquet (Part 5)
The Flower Banquet (Part 5) (花都刺客 (其五)), lit. 'Flower Capital Assassin (Part 5)') is the fifth chapter of the manhua Assassin's Creed: Dynasty written by Xu Xianzhe.[1]
Behind the scenes
Translation errors
The English edition of Assassin's Creed: Dynasty published by Tokyopop is loaded with translation errors. In regards to Chapter 5, the errors concern faithfulness to tone and style of speech more than translation in meaning. In particular, Chancellor Yang Guozhong originally speaks in formal, court language to his servant, but his speech is quite colloquial in the English. Although it may be challenging to translate the sophisticated idioms Guozhong employs into English, he borders on slang at various points in English.
Below is one example:
「死的又不是達官貴人，何必大驚小怪？那幫市井之徒素來習性頑劣，喜好爭強鬥狠...結了仇家也是自然。」
Compare this official translation...
"Those aren't the bodies of high-ranking officials. There's no need to make a fuss. Those street thugs are rough and they always did love a good fight... It's only natural for them to have enemies."
...with this more faithful—though not necessarily ideal—original translation.
"The dead are not even prominent officials and nobles. Why the need for a great scare over tiny disturbances? That gang of miscreants of the streets was invariably unruly by habitual nature, fond of wresting strength in vicious fights. To have bound themselves to a vengeful enemy was only natural."