British V American

[Mandy]

No: HPFGUIDX 101807

 > Jason wrote:
 > That reminded me of something I keep meaning to bring up. 
> Throughout  the novels there are tons of Britishisms and British 
culture  including words, phrases, foods, traditions, etc.  So many, 
in fact, that I would like to do away with the American edited 
version all together. I havent read any of the British versions of 
the books but  they can't be THAT different, can they? We Americans 
have become accustomed to many phrases and Britishisms by now anyway. 

> Alla wrote: 
> No, you are not the only one. I bought the British version of PoA 
and really did not feel that different at all.
> 
> > moonmyyst wrote: 
> Add another vote to that!!  Yes, there are some British things (in 
the US books) that we have to look up (and then go..DUH!!) but that 
only makes people want to find out more.  Especially my kids.  


Mandy here:
I would love to know which of you are British?  I'm a Brit who has 
lived in the US for 15 years. I read the American versions first, 
loved them! Including the illustrations!  But this year I got the 
British editions for the first time.

I feel there is a very big difference.  But I'm not sure if I can 
explain what it is.  

It feels to me, as I'm reading the UK books, that I am more at home.  
Some how more comfortable and the story fits in my memory and my 
perception of the UK easier.  The language sits on my tongue better 
too.  There aren't big changes, but many small, subtle, little ones 
that make up to a big difference that is very subtle.  

The obvious changes have been discussed before and can actually be 
found on the Lexicon for those who are interested. But the subtle 
ones are things like the Weasly's. Their regionalisms seem more 
pronounced in the British editions, where they are toned down in the 
US books.  Is this true?  I haven't compared them page for page yet, 
but many time whilst I'm read I think to myself `that's different,' 
but I'm too caught up in the story to get out the US book and search 
for the same page.  ;-)
 
The way sentences are constructed differ to.  The American editors 
will change a sentence or paragraph around, so it makes sense in 
American, not to change its meaning, but it does change it flow.

The only other way I can explain what I'm experiencing is, when I 
read a poem or book that has been translated from one language to 
another and there are sometimes 2 or 3 different translations of the 
same thing, each translation is different and speaks to me in a 
different way.  While Harry Potter is not strictly speaking being 
translated, they are being changed from one version of English to 
another. It dose make a difference, it really does and I think that 
difference might speak to some of you out there.  It did to me. 

And I don't think this is something everybody will get, perhaps only 
the ex-pats like me who miss their land of their birth.  Have any of 
the other Brits out there read the American versions like I have?   
What do think?  To be honest I can't imagine why anyone in the UK 
would read the US versions.   Not to sound snobby, but would an 
American in America read a British version of Hemingway or Steinbeck? 
Probably not, as there would be no point, other than simple curiosity.

The stories are the same, of course and you find any new clues.  But 
since beginning the UK editions 2 weeks ago I would now do something 
I would never have dreamed of doing before, and that is strongly 
recommend that EVERYONE read the original, British Editions.  After 
all, it is the language Rowling wrote them in and the only way to 
truly experience exactly what she wrote.  And for you English 
speakers out there, it's easily done. You don't have to learn another 
language to do it. ;-)

Cheers Mandy