Reader’s Question:
I have a question about Chinese radio dramas, like Mo Dao Zu Shi. Why do they insist on changing character names and sect names into readings that seem forced? For example, Wei Wuxian becomes “Gimusen.” While I understand that it might become more familiar over time, it still feels
unnatural, and I’m curious about the reasoning behind these changes. Thank you for your response.
Understanding the Name Changes in Chinese Radio Dramas
It’s always fascinating how cultural adaptations can lead to such diverse interpretations, especially when it comes to beloved stories like “Mo Dao Zu Shi.” I remember the first time I encountered the series; I was completely captivated by the characters and their intricate relationships. However, when I stumbled upon the radio drama version, I had one of those moments where I thought, “Wait, who is Gimusen?” It was a little jarring, to say the least! In conversations with friends, I’ve often found myself reminiscing about the early days when “Mo Dao Zu Shi” first made its way to Japan. It seems like a lifetime ago, but at that time, the common practice was to adapt Chinese names into Japanese using phonetic sounds. This is how we ended up with names like Wei Wuxian becoming Gimusen and Lan Wangji morphing into Ran Bōki. It felt like a cozy, if somewhat disjointed, way to welcome these characters into the Japanese narrative landscape. But then, something shifted. With the increasing popularity of the series, especially through the anime adaptation, the way we approached these names began to evolve. Now, we see a more direct transliteration, with names like Wei Wuxian becoming appropriately recognized as Wei Uushen, and Lan Wangji as Ran Wanjii. It’s like watching a transformation unfold right before your eyes! I can still vividly recall the first time I introduced a friend to the radio drama. Armed with snacks and an eager spirit, I pressed play, only to hear Gimusen’s name pop up. My friend’s puzzled expression was priceless! “Who is Gimusen?” they asked, eyes wide. It was a hilarious moment that led to a mini-discussion about how names can shape our perception of characters. We ended up diving deep into all sorts of adaptations, comparing them, and even laughing at our own confusion. Reflecting on these changes, I think it’s important to recognize that while the older adaptations may feel forced or unnatural, they were borne out of the cultural context of their time. As familiarity grows, so does the acceptance of the newer names. It’s all part of the journey of storytelling across cultures. So, dear readers, I invite you to share your own experiences with name changes in adaptations or any funny moments you’ve had while introducing someone to a beloved series. Have you faced similar situations with names that just didn’t sit right? Let’s chat about it in the comments!
