A Russian horror story might be a case. In Russian, there are different words for different kinds of cold that can be used to enhance the horror, like the bone - chilling cold of the supernatural. In a bad translation, it might just be translated as 'cold'. And in an Italian horror story, the descriptions of the old, decrepit buildings that are often settings for horror were translated in a way that didn't capture the full sense of decay and spookiness. Just simple words like 'old building' instead of more vivid descriptions.
Well, there's this German horror story. In the original, there were some very specific words to describe the dark, dank cellar where the horror was taking place. But in a bad translation, they just used 'basement', which doesn't carry the same connotations. Also, in a French horror story, idiomatic expressions related to fear and the unknown were translated literally, making the story seem silly instead of terrifying. Like a phrase that in French creates a sense of impending doom was translated into something that just made no sense in English.
One example could be a Japanese horror story translated into English where the nuances of the Japanese language's use of atmosphere and cultural references are completely lost. For instance, a certain word in Japanese that implies a malevolent spirit might be translated as just 'ghost' in a very bland way, losing the deeper sense of dread. Another example might be a Spanish horror story where the complex verb tenses used to build suspense are translated in a very basic way, ruining the flow and the overall spooky feel.
Badly translated horror stories can make the reading experience quite dull. If the translator fails to capture the essence of the horror elements, like the creepy atmosphere or the sense of impending doom, the reader won't feel the intended fear. For example, if the translation makes the monster seem less menacing, it's not as engaging.
One problem is that the story's nuances are lost. For example, in a well - written original visual novel, the characters' emotions and the plot's subtleties are carefully crafted. But a bad translation might make the characters seem flat or the plot confusing. Another issue is cultural misunderstandings. Translators might not accurately convey cultural references, which can lead to a wrong interpretation by the readers. Also, grammar and language flow can be a mess, making it difficult to read and enjoy the visual novel.
One example could be a story where the translation messes up the spooky atmosphere. For instance, if a key line about a ghostly presence is translated too literally and loses its eerie connotation. Another might be when the translation of a character's menacing dialogue becomes just bland or confusing, like the threat of a monster is lost in the wrong choice of words.
One example is 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez. The translation allows readers around the world to experience the rich and magical world of Macondo. Another is 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. The translated version effectively conveys the existential themes. And 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky, where the translation helps in presenting the complex psychological study of the protagonist.
One common characteristic is overly predictable plots. For example, the same old haunted house scenario where you can easily guess what will happen next. Another is the use of clichéd characters like the damsel in distress who just screams and does nothing. Also, bad horror stories might rely too much on cheap jump scares without any real build - up of suspense.
There could be a fanfiction where Jake Gyllenhaal is an athlete in the story and he gets hurt badly during a competition. The story might detail his physical pain, the disappointment of not being able to finish the event, and his journey to regain his strength. It could also involve his interactions with his fans who are worried about him and how he appreciates their support during his recovery.
I also recommend 'The Exorcist'. When translated, the story of demonic possession still retains its power to shock and horrify. The religious and psychological aspects of the horror are presented in a way that can be understood by readers of different cultures through translation.
To avoid badly translated visual novels, first, you can look at the publisher. Reputable publishers tend to invest more in getting accurate translations. Second, consider the target language. If it's a popular visual novel being translated into a major language like English, there are more chances of getting a good translation. However, for less common languages, the pool of good translators might be smaller. Also, follow translation - related forums or communities where people discuss the quality of different visual novel translations.
There's the story of a cursed object. A young woman buys an antique mirror at a flea market. Once she brings it home, she starts seeing a distorted figure in it. As days pass, she becomes more and more ill, and realizes that every previous owner of the mirror has met an untimely death. It's as if the mirror is sucking the life out of her.
In some twin horror stories, there are twins who have a psychic connection. But this connection is exploited by an evil force. For instance, when one twin gets injured, the other feels the pain double. And they start seeing disturbing visions that lead them into a world of horror.