I've seen the German localization in some previews and found many things odd. It looks like an AI did it that had no clue of the context, and also introduced simple errors. Now with the release, this hasn't changed. Friedrich is still "schief" (i.e., slanted or skewed) and Xerxes is the equivalent of The Achaemenids (yes, in plural). Several abilities have nonsensical names (e.g., Rome's isn't Zwölf Tafeln but Zwölf Tische). Many cities states are have adjectives as names. Some words have two different translations, which starts on steam with the content as well. If there was any human involved doing this, FXS should consider changing their localization partner. Otherwise, I can just hope that this is AI WIP that is to be replaced by a human-made translation soon.
Please tell me the localization is just a placeholder...
- Thread starter Siptah
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stealth_nsk
Deity
I've set up English and don't plan to switch to my native language in near future:
1. I want to hear Gwendoline Christie
2. I want to use the same terms as the rest of the forum
3. I don't trust localization quality at launch
1. I want to hear Gwendoline Christie
2. I want to use the same terms as the rest of the forum
3. I don't trust localization quality at launch
Seems there is some work to be done still. 
The history of civ games shows that you don't need an AI to get horrible, context-insensitive localisation ("Elektrizität")
Though I have to say, that "schief" is the correct translation of "oblique" in this context. It just does not translate very well.
Though I have to say, that "schief" is the correct translation of "oblique" in this context. It just does not translate very well.
8housesofelixir
Emperor
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IMHO, Civ localizations are always quite bad. Some of the most downloaded Civ 6 mods are "better translation" mods.
To be annoyingly pedantic about it: He's always been called "der schiefe Fritz" and oblique may be the weird translation (I don't have a linguistic feel for the english word at all though)
I would describe the English usage as being “weird, but in a smart way”, like an idea so genius it seems strange to everyone else. Although I associate it more with Brian Eno than Fritz.
(In fact “X, but in a smart way” is a common pattern for many French loanwords in English
)Maximo the Xth
Warlord
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I thought this is Friedrich II? "Der schiefe Fritz" is Friedrich I.
JNR13
Prince
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Yes, "Schiefer Fritz" isn't an explanation, it's an unfortunate coincidence. I assume the translators simply got the name from the "schiefe Schlachtordnung", which is what the oblique order is called in German and where the English persona title is from as well.
Venceslau Pietro Pietra
Warlord
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Pachacuti, poseidon.
Brazilian localization has serious problems too
Ah yes, the famous "Earth Shaker" is also the "God of the Sea".
Sagax
Emperor
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Oh god…. That actually explains the mistranslation. Poseidon is generally known as god of the seas, but he is indeed also associated with earthquakes in Greek mythology. “Earth Shaker” is one of his lesser known titles, apparently.Ah yes, the famous "Earth Shaker" is also the "God of the Sea".
Venceslau Pietro Pietra
Warlord
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Updates, the wildcard into wilderness mistake from the preview was fixed in the release version.
So theres chance the devs correct the other localozation problems at some point
So theres chance the devs correct the other localozation problems at some point
King of Prussia
Prince
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Localization in any game is a massive PITA. Some stuff doesnt have an exact translation, so you are communicating the idea. You have limited space in the UI, so you have to try and get it to fit properly. The person if they use one, probably doesnt have the context. They would need access to the game and see what it looks like to properly fix it. IDK how many words Civ has, but most of the people i interacted with charged by the word. A few rare ones were by the hour. Its very easy to end up in the thousands or tens of thousands per language. Ive noticed more companies opening up to using AI more often in different elements of their game. With how expensive it is, and possible time constraints, i do understand why they use AI/google/whatever to do some or all of their translations. If a company is lucky, they will have some people who are native speakers to do/fix the translations. Im not trying to give them a free pass on translation issues, but bring attention to the reality of it for those that do not know.
Anyways, best way to fix/improve them is to provide feedback on exact lines and what they should be.
Anyways, best way to fix/improve them is to provide feedback on exact lines and what they should be.
ombak
Prince
It pains me to see these things as someone who worked in AAA localization. Context is everything! Translators need context. And checking... and support. I'll always give the translators themselves the benefit of the doubt, usually the fault lies with their companies rushing them, or the client rushing them, or not providing enough context and support to help them with the work.
Not having an exact translation is not an issue, it's context, as you also brought up.
Generally companies will outsource localization to third parties, that's standard in games. Few AAA devs will have an internal team that does checks on linguistic issues, they will more likely have producers and/or PMs to work with those third parties (in fact, I suppose I should watch the credits, they should all be listed there).
As for AI, translation is one industry where AI is more of a natural step right now than a revolutionary step forward or nothing but hype. It doesn't remove the need for human editors to check the work and they need context. As you said, going into the game is ideal for that and when you are working with a third party that becomes less likely, most developers and publishers are very hesitant to give build access to third party translators.
Not having an exact translation is not an issue, it's context, as you also brought up.
Generally companies will outsource localization to third parties, that's standard in games. Few AAA devs will have an internal team that does checks on linguistic issues, they will more likely have producers and/or PMs to work with those third parties (in fact, I suppose I should watch the credits, they should all be listed there).
As for AI, translation is one industry where AI is more of a natural step right now than a revolutionary step forward or nothing but hype. It doesn't remove the need for human editors to check the work and they need context. As you said, going into the game is ideal for that and when you are working with a third party that becomes less likely, most developers and publishers are very hesitant to give build access to third party translators.
I don't hear Gwendoline in the game? Only in the start, civilization information page? Am I missing something?
stealth_nsk
Deity
Off the top of my head - wonder quotes.
