Talk:Suzumiya Haruhi:Volume8 Wandering Shadow

Translator's Notes

Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (July 15, 1606– October 4, 1669) is generally considered one of the greatest painters and printmakers in European art history and the most important in Dutch history. His contributions to art came in a period that historians call the Dutch Golden Age (roughly coinciding with the seventeenth century), in which Dutch world power, political influence, science, commerce, and culture — particularly painting — reached their pinnacle.

"No artist ever combined more delicate skill with more energy and power," states Chambers' Biographical Dictionary. "His treatment of mankind is full of human sympathy" (J.O. Thorne: 1962).

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rembrandt for more info

Rubens

Peter Paul Rubens (June 28, 1577 – May 30, 1640) was the most popular and prolific Flemish and European painter of the 17th century. He was the proponent of an exuberant Baroque style which emphasized movement, color, and sensuality.

More info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Paul_Rubens

Shar Pei

The dog breed Shar Pei originated in China and has the distinctive features of deep wrinkles and a blue-black tongue. The name (沙皮, pinyin: shā pí) translates to "sand skin," not because of color but because of texture. As puppies, Shar Pei have lots of wrinkles, but as they mature, the wrinkles disappear as they "grow into their skin". The American Kennel Club did not recognize the breed until 1991.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shar_Pei

Tangut Inscriptions

By "Tangut Inscription on paper strips", Haruhi actually means charms, the type you usually see in chinese movies that are yellow and have red ink over them, which are commonly used to bind chinese vampires. Tangut is actually an ancient Tibetan language, and has no link whatsoever to chinese vampires. Haruhi is just speaking whatever pops into her mind.

Here's the link to the Tangut Language: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangut_language

miko

There is no strict definition in English for miko, although "shrine maiden" is commonly used. Other terms that have been used as equivalents are prophet, medium, priestess, nun, witch, or sorceress. They are not actual priestesses, but can serve as clerics if needed.

For additional information and photos, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miko

Hinamatsuri

Japanese "Doll Festival", or "Girl's Day" as it is affectionately known. It involves displaying a large set of ornamental dolls, which are also sometimes called "Princess Dolls".

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinamatsuri for more info and some pictures.

miko-mai

A ceremonial dance performed by miko.

Scottish Highlands White Terrier

West Highland White Terriers, commonly known as Westies, are a breed of dog known for their spirited personality and brilliant white coat. They are friendly, good with children, and thrive on lots of attention. They have black, penetrating eyes and small, pointed ears. Chances are, you've seen it before either in real life or in television.

For pictures and more info, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Highland_White_Terrier

French philosopher

Kyon is referring to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a French philosopher that influenced the French Revolution. His first name, Jean-Jacques, is shortened by Haruhi into JJ, hence the nickname.

For more info, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Jacques_Rousseau

Sutra of Wisdom Perfection

The Sutra of Wisdom Perfection is part of the Mahayana Sutras and is a direct translation from the Sanskrit term prajña paramita. There are several other sutras under it, which include the Single Letter Transcendant Sutra and the Heart of Transcendant Wisdom Sutra.

For more info see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfection_of_Wisdom and http://www.empty-universe.com/prajnaparamita/index.html

Shiba Inu

Yes apparently that is the official name given to this breed of dog. It is one of the six original and distinct breeds of dog from Japan.

For pictures see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiba_Inu

turn the calendars red

This is a saying that means taking an unofficial leave/being absent without reason. It originates from the traditional Chinese calendar, the types that you tear off a day as it goes by. Green denotes a working/school day, while red denotes a holiday/weekend.

Lactobacilli

A type of lactic acid bacteria that are present in the human gastrointestinal track. They are benign and are often used in production of yogurts.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactobacillus

Escherichia coli

A type of bacteria that lives in the lower intestines of mammals, and are also known as gut flora. They are also benign to humans.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escherichia_coli

Yamataikoku

An ancient country in Japan recorded in the Chinese History Book Sanguo Zhi (三國志) a.k.a Records of the Three Kingdoms. It was recorded to be the head of thirty allied countries, which were previously battling each other.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamataikoku

Polynesia

A large group of more than a thousand islands scattered around the Pacific Ocean.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polynesia

Hinekobyou

Literally 'Sunny Cat Disease' (陽猫病), it is named after cats lazing in the sun, which is referenced below.

Discussion

Question paper

Based on a quick check with Google, 'question paper' appears to be idiomatic for English English. It's not idiomatic in American English, where 'test' or 'test paper' would be the usual. However, it's unambiguous in context, and like English English spelling, I'm personally inclined to let it lie, now that I see that it's idiomatic somewhere.

Some examinations have 2 papers: A question paper with nothing but questions on it, and an answer sheet for you to write down your answers upon. I think "test paper" might work. Change it if you find it necessary.

--HolyCow 19:39, 22 January 2007 (PST)

Mixed form

However, seeing Asahina-san clad in a miko costume chanting out Buddhist Scriptures made me feel uneasy, as if there was going to be divine intervention anytime soon.

This is slightly incorrect as I found it. Could be

as if there were going to be (a) divine intervention some time soon, or

as if there could be (a) divine intervention at any time.

There's a small but signific difference in between these two versions in the sense of inevitability, which is the only reason I don't just edit it without comment.--Nutcase 07:03, 6 March 2007 (PST)

as if there were going to be divine intervention some/any time soon

I think this is it ;P

--HolyCow 05:48, 7 March 2007 (PST)

Opening scene narration frame

Before I get too carried away...

As I read the opening scene, Kyon-the-narrator is in the gym, now, not writing in his journal the next day and certainly not in his arm-chair years later. If this is correct, there's a lot of tense adjustment to do, bringing stuff out of immediate past into present. Is there any basis for not putting Kyon-the-narrator in the gym?--Nutcase 07:00, 9 March 2007 (PST)

I would ask the same question: Is there any basis for doing all that work and putting Kyon-the-narrator in the gym? What parts make you think it's actively happening rather than (the more common) retrospective narration? Smidge204 10:19, 9 March 2007 (PST)