Theme "My favorite cartoon" The most interesting translations of the names of cartoon characters Description of the appearance of fairy-tale characters in English

I’m mad about comics and movies based on fantastic stories about superheroes, mutants and other fictional extraordinary characters with super-powers. My favorite one is Batman. This character is a member of DC and he could be found in a plenty of cartoons, comics and video games.

Batman is a nickname of a rich orphan Bruce Wayne who lost his parents when he was a kid - they were gunned down within sight of a small boy (Bruce). This moment changed a lot in his life. He inherited big money, family business and lived in a big house with a family butler, Albert. But Bruce didn’t become an ordinary man, but a billionaire industrialist and a well-known playboy with secrets. He decided to be the greatest weapon against crime and save lives of ordinary people.

Unlike most of Marvel and DC superheroes Batman has no such unusual skills and super-powers as super-strength, super-speed, flight, invulnerability, x-ray vision, self-healing, etc. Although, he is the most featured superhero of all, because he’s a brilliant detective, a talented jack-of-all-trades, who’s mastered fighting aircraft. Batman has created his own Batarangs, Batmobile and Utility Belt filled with different types of weapon. He’s always five steps ahead of his foes. Batman is the main protector of Gotham City, dressed like a bat.

I suppose that all Batman movies have become a part of classical cinematography. My favorite one is The Dark Knight with Christian Bale. Now I’m waiting with impatience for a new movie Batman vs. Superman with Ben Affleck.

In my opinion, Batman is the obvious proof you don’t need any super-powers to protect somebody and become somebody’s personal hero. He shows people, that the world is our oyster and everyone could change it.

I'm crazy about comic books, science fiction films about superheroes, mutants and other fictional unusual characters endowed with super powers. My favorite one is Batman. This hero, a character from the DC universe, can be seen in many cartoons, comics and video games.

Batman is the nickname of the wealthy orphan Bruce Wayne, who lost his parents when he was still a child - they were shot in front of a little boy (Bruce). This changed a lot in his life. He inherited a lot of money, a family business, and lived in a big house with a butler, Albert. But Bruce became not an ordinary person, but a billionaire tycoon and a famous playboy with his own secrets. He decided to become the greatest crime fighter and save the lives of ordinary people.

Unlike most superheroes in the Marvel and DC universes, Batman does not have such unusual skills and super abilities as super strength, super speed, levitation, invulnerability, regeneration, etc. However, Batman has the most powerful technical equipment compared to other heroes, as he is an amazing detective, a jack of all trades, who invents flying machines. He created Batarangs, the Batmobile, and a belt equipped with a variety of weapons. He is always five steps ahead of his enemies. Batman is the main defender of the city of Gotham in a bat suit.

It seems to me that all the films about Batman have already become classics of world cinema. My favorite is The Dark Knight with Christian Bale. Now I'm looking forward to the new Batman v Superman movie with Ben Affleck.

In my opinion, Batman is clear proof that you don't need to have any superpowers to protect someone and become a personal hero for someone. It shows people that everything is in their hands and everyone can change the world.

Sometimes it's hard to believe that teachers also once taught languages ​​and went through the same difficulties as students. It seems to me that there has never been a period in my life when I did not speak English for most of the day. And it’s even more difficult to imagine that I watched English-language films with Russian translations.

However, while still a student, I started watching films in the original. To make it easier, I chose those that I had already seen in Russian. At first I felt deceived, because the translation of many phrases, as it seemed to me, should have been completely different. But over time, I came to understand that, even if translators try their best, it is impossible to convey all the jokes and wordplay of a foreign culture. The most interesting thing was to review the cartoons, because translating the “talking names” of the characters is not an easy task.

I had a period of nostalgia when I rewatched Disney animated series. And I would like to give credit to the translators: they really worked hard, translating the names of the characters of such cartoons as “DuckTales”, “Black Cape”, “Miracles on the Bends”, “Chip and Dale to the Rescue” and “The Adventures of the Gummi Bears”.

For example, Ponka Vanderquack from DuckTales in the original - Webbigail “Webby” Vanderquack. Web/Webbing- membranes on the feet of birds, and quack- the sound that ducks make, in Russian - “crack”. Given all these details, it is difficult to imagine a better translation. By the same principle, Ponochka’s grandmother, Mrs. Bentina Beakley, turned into Mrs. Klyuvdia, and the inventor Gyro Gearloose- in Vinta Razboltaylo. The translators had to work hard on Zigzag McCrack, which in the original was the “launching pad” - Launchpad McQuack. And how plump he is Doofus Drake (doofus- fool) turned into a Bobblehead, history is silent. She also doesn’t talk about how and why the twin ducklings were translated as Billy, Willie and Dilly Duck, because in the original they Huey, Dewey And Louie Duck– Huey, Dewey and Louie Duck. Perhaps the American names seemed jarring to the Russian-speaking audience. It's also strange that Scrooge McDuck ( Scrooge McDuck) were not turned into some kind of Skrugus ( scrooge- miser).

The well-known Gadget from the series “Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers” in the original bears the name Gadget Hackwrench(Hack the key.) Agree, the literal translation is a little rough. Another character - Monterey Jack, aka Monty, was named after a popular cheese in America. We had not heard of such cheese at that time, but French Roquefort was very popular. So Jack became Roquefort or Rocky. Main villain Fat Cat was translated as Tolstopuz. In English, “fat cats” are the name given to corrupt rich people and moneybags. But it’s unlikely that the children’s audience knows who fatbags are, but the word “fatbag” is quite clear to kids.

Another animated series, "Black Cloak", is originally called Darkwing Duck(black-winged duck). I don't think a series called Blackwing would be as popular. The translators did an excellent job transforming the daughter of the Black Cloak Gosalyn Mallard to Gusyon Lapchataya. Goose– goose, hence the name Gosalyn. But some names, unfortunately, were lost in translation. For example, the villain Professor Moliarty (in the original prof. Moliarty), is a combination of words mole– mole and Moriarty- an antagonist from the books about Sherlock Holmes. But there's nothing you can do about it. All details cannot be conveyed in translation.

Also, the “talking” names of some characters in the cartoon “Beauty and the Beast” were lost. For example, the little cup Chip got its name from the English word chip- chip, fragment. And indeed, a small piece was broken off from the cup.

But not all characters lose their names when translated into Russian. For example, good fairies Flora, Fauna And Merryweather(joyful weather) from Sleeping Beauty became Flora, Fauna and Weather. It seems to me that with this translation the third fairy became even kinder. The names of the seven dwarves also sound great in the adaptation: Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, Dopey- Clever, Grumpy, Cheerful, Sonya, Shy, Sneezy, Simpleton. Oh, the great and mighty Russian language.

I can’t help but mention the cartoon “How to Train Your Dragon” ( How to Train Your Dragon). The main character - a young Viking - has a formidable name Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III ( hiccup– hiccups, horrendous- creepy, haddock– perch). In Russian, he became Hiccup the Bloodthirsty Karasik III. Despite such a name, when translated it is immediately clear that he is not bloodthirsty. Hiccup's dragon name is Toothless ( toothless- toothless), and he is unusually cute. The rest of the film's characters also become even more expressive in the Russian version. With a slight movement of the translator's hand Fishlegs turns into Fishlegs Gobber- in Gobber, and the dragon Meatlug- to Sausage.

The translators of the cartoon "Alice in Wonderland" had to work more on poems and wordplay than on translating names. Difficulties arose only with the twins Tweedledum And Tweedledee, whose names have no translation. It's more of a sound people make when they sing songs like our la-la-la. Accordingly, in the Russian translation the brothers turned into Tweedledum and Tweedledum. In principle, due to the features listed above, “Alice” is difficult to watch. I would recommend her only from the level Upper-Intermediate.

As for foreign translators, they usually preserve the original names of the characters and titles when translating Russian cartoons, to the point that they very often translate in transliteration. For example, old woman Shapoklyak becomes Shapoklyak, and the crocodile Gena - Gena The Crocodile, Hare and Wolf from “Well, wait a minute!” become Zayac (The Hare) And Volk (The Wolf). And even the name of the cartoon in most translations remains simply as Nu, pogodi!

Of the popular cartoons, the “talking translation” was awarded to Cheburashka, who was named in the very first translations Topple (topple- fall, collapse), and Luntik, who turned into Moonzy. These are examples of good work by translators. For example, it is very difficult to associate Father Frost and the Snow Maiden with the merry New Year holidays in the English translation, because their names are Father Frost And Snow Maiden.

But it is not for us to judge the translators. We need to learn English and watch wonderful foreign cartoons in the original. Now let's watch the trailer for the cartoon How to Train Your Dragon 2.

List of words and expressions from the video:

• an armpit– armpit;
• a bud(short for buddy) – friend, friend;
• a chief– leader, leader;
• a flair– innate talent;
• to come through- to break through, to pass through;
• to face– collide, meet;
• to wash out– wash;
• dramatic– impressive, spectacular;
• itchy– itchy;
• That's my boy! - Well done!

Have you heard about any unusual translations of cartoons? Share it with us in the comments.

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

I can hardly imagine my life without books. They are my friends, advisers and teachers. While reading a book I live the life of its heroes. I’ve read a lot of different books, but my favorite one is the novel Robinson Crusoe. Probably no story is better known all over the world than that of Robinson Crusoe. But we must remember that it is not a true story. It was imagined and written years ago by an Englishman named Daniel Defoe. He was the first man to tell a story in such a way as to make people believe it to be true. Although the adventures of Robinson Crusoe are imaginary (1) they might have happened in real life.
At the beginning of his story, Robinson Crusoe tells us that his father wanted him to become a lawyer, but that he himself wanted to become a sailor. His father gave him serious advice, telling him that adventures abroad were best fitted either for rough and uneducated men or for men of superior fortune (2).
But young Robinson found it impossible to accept his father’s advice. Without saying ‘goodbuy’ to his father or mother, he went away to sea. A few weeks later, he had his first experience of a shipwreck (3), but was rescued (4), and made his way to London. From there, he made a trading expedition to the African coast, and returned to London again after a voyage in which he had gained experience as a sailor and merchant.
After some years of adventures he was still dissatisfied (5). So he spoke to his friends about his early voyage to Africa and how easy it was, in exchange for trifles (6),to get ivory (7) and gold.
As a result of this talk, they decided to fit out a ship, in which Crusoe should go to Africa and start trading.
The ship had been sailing only a few days when they were caught in a terrible storm which lasted twelve days. It was impossible to manage the ship, and in the end it ran upon a sand-bank close to an island and began to break to pieces.
Crusoe with the other men got into a boat with the object of reaching the island. But this boat was soon upset by the high waves and the men were at once swallowed up by the sea. He was the only one who saved himself.
For twenty-three years he saw no other human beings (8) and it was twenty-eight years before he was able to leave the island.
The greater part of the book tells us how Crusoe found shelter (9) and food, how he built his ‘castle’, how he made his furniture and clothes, and how he taught himself many trades and became an expert in doing all sorts of useful things. According to the author’s mind, it follows that man can live by himself comfortably and make all the things he needs with no other people, no other hands to help him.
This novel is a glorification (10) of human labour, a triumph of man over nature.

I can't imagine my life without books. They are my friends, advisers and teachers. Reading a book, I live the life of its characters. I have read many different books, but my favorite is the novel Robinson Crusoe. Perhaps no other book is as famous throughout the world as Robinson Crusoe. And we must remember that this is not a true story. It was invented and written many years ago by an Englishman named Daniel Defoe. He was the first to describe events in such a way that he made people believe that everything really happened. Although the events and adventures of Robinson Crusoe are fictional, they can happen in real life.
At the beginning of the story, Robinson Crusoe tells us that his father wanted him to become a lawyer, but he
I myself dreamed of becoming a sailor. His father gave him serious advice, saying that adventures abroad were more suitable for rude, ignorant people than for people worthy of a better fate.
But Robinson Crusoe failed to take his father's advice. Without saying goodbye to his father and mother, he went out to sea. A few weeks later he had his first bitter experience, his ship crashed and was rescued and returned to London.
From there he went on a trading expedition to the African coast and returned to London, gaining experience as a sailor and merchant.
Several years of adventure did not bring him pleasure. He told his friends about his trip to Africa and how easy it was to exchange ivory and gold for trinkets.
After this conversation, the friends decided to equip a ship with which Crusoe was supposed to sail to Africa and start trading there.
A few days after setting out to sea, the ship was caught in a terrible storm that lasted 12 days. It was impossible to control the ship, and it came across the shore of an island and began to fall apart. Crusoe and several others boarded boats to reach the shore. But the boat was shaken by the waves, and the man was immediately swallowed up by the sea. Crusoe was the only one who survived. For twenty-three years he did not see a single person; only after 28 years did he manage to leave the island. Most of all, the book tells how Robinson Crusoe found shelter, food, built his “fortress,” made clothes and furniture, mastered various crafts and learned to do many useful things. This corresponded to the author's intention, who believed that a person can surround himself with comforts and create all the things he needs, without other people, without any help.
This work glorifies human labor, the victory of man over nature.

Vocabulary

imaginary [ɪ"mæʤɪn(ə)rɪ] - imaginary
superior fortune - better fate
shipwreck - shipwreck
rescue - save
to be dissatisfied - to be dissatisfied
trifle - trifle (about a thing)
ivory - ivory
human being - person, creature
shelter - shelter, shelter
glorification - glorification

Questions

1. Do you like reading?
2. What books do you like to read most of all?
3. What is your favorite book?
4. What does the novel Robinson Crusoe symbolize?
5. Why is it so popular among readers of different ages?

Topic My Favorite Cartoon is Just You Wait!

My name is Andrew. I'm twelve years old. I’ve been fond of cartoons from the very childhood and I still like watching some of them. I think, cartoons entertain us and keep us busy for some time, which is good for our parents. My parents also like cartoons. They sometimes watch them with me.

My favorite cartoon is “Just You Wait!”. It’s not too childish, so people of all ages can watch it. The main characters of this cartoon are the hare and the wolf. Each time wolf sees hare, he tries to catch him, but unsuccessfully. Hare is small, smart. He gets away with any prank.

The reason, why I like this cartoon more than others, is its kind and funny plot. Each time I watch it, it makes me smile and laugh, so good mood for the day is provided. When I was younger, I also watched “Just You Wait!”. Knowing that I’m fond of this cartoon, my mum often bought me various thematic items. For example, a plate or a T-shirt with Just You Wait! picture.

I can’t say I liked the wolf’s character more than hare’s, or vice versa. I liked both these characters, as they were good in their own way. Wolf often gets in stupid situations while chasing a tricky hare and that makes me feel sorry for him. Hare's mission is not to get caught, because if he does, the wolf will probably eat him. So, when I watch the series of this cartoon, I worry about both characters at the same extent.

I’m sure I’m not the only child who likes “Just You Wait!” across the world watch this cartoon. Due to its popularity, it has been translated into many languages.

My favorite cartoon: Well, wait a minute!

My name is Andey. I am 12 years old. I have loved cartoons since I was a child and I still watch some of them. I think cartoons entertain and keep us busy for a while, and that's good for our parents. My parents also love cartoons. They sometimes watch them with me.

My favorite cartoon is “Well, wait a minute!” It's not just for kids, so people of all ages can watch it. The main characters of this cartoon are a hare and a wolf. Every time the hare sees a wolf, he tries to catch it, but to no avail. The hare is small and cunning. He gets away with any prank.

The reason why I love this cartoon more than others lies in the kind and funny plot. Every time I watch it, it makes me smile and laugh, so I'm in a good mood for the whole day. When I was younger, I also watched Well, Wait! Knowing how much I love this cartoon, my mother often bought me various themed items. For example, a plate or T-shirt with a picture of a hare and a wolf.

I can't say that I love the wolf character more than the hare, or vice versa. I like both of these characters because they are both good in their own ways. The wolf often finds himself in stupid situations while chasing a cunning hare, and at such moments I feel sorry for him. The hare's mission is to avoid getting caught, because if he does, the wolf will most likely eat him. So when I watch episodes of this cartoon, I care about both characters equally.

I'm sure I'm not the only kid who loves "Well, wait a minute!" Millions of children around the world watch this cartoon. Due to its popularity, it has been translated into many languages.

This topic is purely academic, i.e. it is practically useless in its original form for those who are focused on learning a language for work or for communication.

However, it covers topics such as appearance, character and allows you to demonstrate mastery of grammatical material. Therefore, it is better not to miss it. Where to start describing the hero in English?

• Hero selection

In order to write a good text, you need to know what to write about and have at least a minimal plan in mind. It is best to choose those heroes that appeal to you. At the same time, positive heroes are still preferable. The fact is that the description of a negative hero is more complex and will not always be appropriate. You can start something like this:

“They say: choose an author as you choose a friend. Why? I think the reason is that any author creates a lot of characters and all of them can teach you something. So you should choose the author who creates kind and wise characters. They will teach you as your friends usually do - with their own experience. After all I have chosen a well-known character to describe – Harry Potter” - “They often say that you need to choose a book and an author, like choosing friends. Why? I think the reason is that every author creates many characters, and they all teach us something. Therefore, it is better to choose an author who creates mostly kind and wise heroes. They will teach the reader as friends usually do - by example. After thinking, I decided to describe one of the most famous characters - Harry Potter."

• There is never too much honey, or the more positive, the better

When describing a character in English, the main goal is to show your knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. Your own opinion here, unfortunately, does not come first. Therefore, it is possible and necessary to paint the character in the brightest colors, focusing on positive qualities and unique talents. The more “beautiful” the story is, the more epithets are used, the higher the essay will be rated. You can take the following text as a basis and expand it if necessary:

“Maybe you are interested in why I decided to choose this character. Well, there are some reasons. Firstly, I think everyone has heard of Harry Potter, so one can easily agree or disagree with my opinion. Secondly, he has good features of character as well as weaknesses and shortcomings, thus he is not a typical “prince charming” but a real-life character. Thirdly, I admire his personality with its all merits and drawbacks and, for some reason, I want to be like him. As for me, the most important quality in Harry is his ability to overcome problems and difficulties. He never gives up and always does what he thinks is better. He is devoted to his friends and loved ones. Yes, sometimes he gets in trouble because of that but finally he overcomes everything and becomes stronger and wiser. Another quality I like is his ability to solve unusual problems and find ways out of different situations thanks to his flexible mind. I’m sure it’s the most important quality in the modern world – the flexibility of mind. Of course we shouldn’t forget that Harry has a kind and loving heart, and it also helps him to fight evil and defeat it” - “You must be wondering why I decided to choose this particular character. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, I think everyone knows Harry Potter and listeners may or may not agree with my opinion. Secondly, he has both strengths and weaknesses, that is, he is not an abstract ideal hero, but is similar to an ordinary living person. Thirdly, I like his character with all his strengths and weaknesses, and to some extent I would like to be like him. In my opinion, the best thing about Harry is his ability to overcome difficulties. He never gives up and does what he thinks is right. He is a loyal and devoted friend, although he gets into trouble because of this. In the end, he overcomes all obstacles, becoming stronger and wiser. Another quality. What I like about him is his ability to find solutions to the most complex problems thanks to his agile and lively mind. It seems to me that mental flexibility is one of the most important qualities in the modern world. We must not forget that Harry has a kind and loving heart, which helps the young wizard fight and defeat evil.”