On how characters address each other in the italian translation of Gideon the Ninth
So, a few days ago I saw a post explaining how characters address each other in one translation of the Locked Tomb universe novels, and I thought I’d write something about the italian translation as well.
First, a bit of context: in italian we have different ways of addressing someone, and aside from what I’d describe as “titles” (e.g. “doctor”), we also use a different pronoun to refer to the person we’re talking to depending on how formal or informal we wanto to be.
That probably made no sense, so I’ll try with an example
1.Talking informally to a friend or someone younger (most of the time): you’re going to call them “tu” (you, second person singular).
Example: “ciao, come stai?” which, since we pretty much can infer the pronoun from the verb conjugation, is the same as “ciao, TU come stai?” (meaning: Hi, how are you?)
2.Talking formally to show respect to someone: you’re going to call them “lei” (she, third person singular, feminine). This is considered respectful, and it can be used regardless of the person’s gender.
Example: “Salve, come sta?” which for the same reason as above is the same as “Salve, LEI come sta?” (Meaning again: “Hello, how are you?)
3. Not used anymore for a couple of notable reasons and still very formal, you can call someone ”voi“ (you, second person plural).
It feels very ancient, and if I’m not mistaken, this way of addressing someone was widely encouraged (mandated) during fascism in Italy. So, we tend not to do that. We (though I can’t obviously speak for every italian speaker) just don’t do that.
The example above would become: “Salve, VOI come state?” (still meaning: “Hello, how are you?”)
Now, let’s get to the interesting part! In the italian translation of Gideon the Ninth, when speaking formally, everyone uses ”voi“. I personally read into it as a way of letting us know that the Empire is, well, kind of a fascist regime.
The use of different ways of addressing each other, IMO, defines also how close two or more characters really are.
I’ve divided the characters by House. Spoilers for Gideon the Ninth ahead!
Ninth House
Gideon calls everyone on the Ninth ”tu“, and it’s probably meant to show that she’s being intentionally disrespectful. (Given how they’ve been treating her, unsurprising)
On the contrary, while Aiglamene calls Harrow "voi”, Harrow answers calling Aiglamene “tu”. In fact, Harrow seems the only one who can address everyone as “tu”.
So, everyone should address Harrow formally, but she does not have to return the favour. And so, she does not.
At Caanan House, Gideon still calls Harrow “tu”, except when making fun of her, and only then she uses “voi”.
For obvious reasons, at the end of the novel, Harrow uses “voi” to address John.
Edited because I realized my wording was unclear: Harrow uses formal with Teacher and the other necromancers, but informal towards anyone else! I meant she uses informal to address anyone else on the Ninth.
First House
Teacher and the other priests always use “voi” when addressing necromancers, and “tu” when addressing cavaliers.
Second House
Marta and Judith do the same thing as Teacher using “voi” when addressing necromancers, and “tu” when addressing cavaliers. It seems to be a rule in this universe.
Notable exception: at the very end of the novel, Judith calls Palamedes “tu”. Understandable, given the circumstances.
Third House
At the beginning of the novel, Gideon overhears Naberius and the twins talking. Still following the rule of “voi” when addressing necromancers, and “tu” when addressing cavaliers, Naberius calls Coronabeth and Ianthe “voi”, and they answer calling him “tu”. But during the course of the novel, Babs switches at times to “tu” both towards Corona and towards Ianthe (during the anniversary dinner, no less. Rude!).
Corona calls Palamedes “tu” when she’s trying to convince him to give her a key, but he answers formally calling her “voi”. (Technically she’s a necromancer, since this is prior to the big reveal).
Fourth House
Jeannemary and Isaac mostly follow the rule, except they call Magnus and Abigail “tu”.
Fifth House
Magnus and Abigail still follow the rule, except towards Isaac, who they address as “tu”. Considering how the Fourth teens also address them and act informally towards the Fifth House, I’d say it’s been done to highlight how close they are.
Sixth House
Palamedes and Camilla also follow the rule, but in private they sometimes call each other “tu”.
Interestingly, Palamedes and “Dulcinea” keep the way they address each other pretty formal. Except it really was not Dulcinea all along. Palamedes keeps addressing Harrow as well formally until the very end, when he calls her “tu”.
Seventh House
“Dulcinea” pretty much follows the rule, which means she addresses necromancers formally and cavaliers informally. Nothing to say about Protesilaus, for obvious reasons.
Eight House
Silas and Colum mostly follow the rule, even among themselves, except when they fight after having tea with Gideon. (Meaning, Colum calls Silas “tu”).
So, here it is, for anyone who might find it interesting!
ALT
