https://dspace.library.uvic.ca:8443/handle/1828/12164

An M.A. thesis in the Department of French.

Abstract:

This thesis examines the French translation of the 224 neologisms in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh book in J.K. Rowling’s fantasy series. By analyzing the original neologisms and their French equivalents, this research compares the word formation processes used by both the author and the translator, Jean-François Ménard. Additionally, to categorize Ménard’s translation techniques, this study adapts a framework designed by Jacqueline Henry to classify translations of word play. While Ménard uses the same types of word formation as Rowling to create his lexicon, this study reveals that he often chooses a different neological process or distinct lexemes to recreate the effect of the original neologism. To achieve this, Ménard relies on his own creativity and embraces the norms of the French language to give his audience a reading experience comparable to that offered to the readers of the original text.

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