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TCG Letter #538 / Carpenter Letter #190


From
J.R.R. Tolkien
To
Rayner Unwin
Date
3 July 1956
Type
Unknown
Transcript
Partial
Tolkien expresses strong objections to the Dutch translation of The Lord of the Rings. He vehemently opposes any alteration or translation of the nomenclature (place-names) in the book.

The author also insists on no tinkering with personal nomenclature, such as the word "Hobbit." He refuses any alternative translations like "Hompen"Swedish Hobbit from 1947[1] and asserts that terms like "hobbit" and "orc" belong to the world he created and must remain unchanged. Tolkien concludes by stating that he will not tolerate alterations and expresses his anger over the situation.

1 Swedish Hobbit from 1947
Tags
References
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien (1981), pp. 249-51, p. 446 (Carpenter notes)
Cartas de J.R.R. Tolkien, pp. 370-2, p. 637 (notas de Carpenter)
Vinyar Tengwar no. 21, "Tolkien on Translation", p. 22


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