Deutsch | English | tlhIngan Hol
Following the success with his Klingon translation of the classic tale “The Little Prince” in 2018, Klingon Teacher Lieven L. Litaer decided to publish a Klingon version of the beloved children’s book “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” written by Lewis Carroll.
The book was heavily featured as an inspiration for the fictional main character of Captain Michael Burnham on the hit-series „Star Trek: Discovery“ and quoted on several occasions. A few parts from the book were even translated into Klingon in the subtitles on Netflix.
(DSC 1.06 “Lethe”) © CBS
(DSC 1.03 “Context is for Kings” © CBS)
»DaH Du’Hom ’IH pawmeH lojmIt mach veghlaH machmo’ porghDaj.«
“She could now enter the beautiful garden through the door because her body was small.”
(Quote from Star Trek: Discovery, ep. 1.03 “Context is for Kings”)
Klingon language teacher and author Lieven L. Litaer recognized this challenge of a special kind, with this book being a difficult task for translators in all languages, as it is packed with wordplays and puns. Following his Klingon attitude, he bravely accepted the challenge and proved that even such a strange story can be conveyed into the Klingon language. Doing so, he created all new Klingon wordplays, which can only be enjoyed in the original Klingon.
»Hujqu’ DuSaQvam!« jach QelIS.
»ngoDvammo’ ’oHvaD DuSaQ ponglu’,« ja’ ghI’van: »DuSaQmoHmo’.«
“This school is really weird!” yelled Alice.
“That’s why it’s called school,” said the Gryphon: “because it makes you cry.”
Just like its predecessor, this Klingon translation comes with a literal English back-translation, which is of interest for both Klingon students, and also English students, as it offers a complete new translation and is based on the Klingon version. In addition, the translation comes with its own individual unseen illustrations and a detailed appendix listing details about new words discovered for this project.
This time, the translation is available as Klingon/English, but also as a Klingon/German edition.
Details for the English edition
For the German edition, see its own page.
| Title: | QelIS boqHarmey – Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (Klingon/English) |
| Author: | Lewis Carroll |
| Translator: | Lieven L. Litaer |
| Publisher: | Egpyt Verlag |
| Pages: | 242 |
| Date: | November 3rd, 2021 |
| ISBN: | 978-3-9823968-3-5 |
| Size: | 127 x 203 mm / 5″ x 8″ |
Ways to order
Online-stores:
Exclusively on klingonisch.de with an autograph or dedication of the translator:
Frequently Asked Questions– FAQ
How is the title pronounced?
The title „QelIS boqHarmey“ sounds somewhat like KKHEY-LISH BOK-HAR-MAY.
In Klingon? That means I can not read it.
The book is published as a bilingual book, providing both Klingon text and an English (and German) back-translation. This back-translation offers an all new interpretation of the work.
Why is it a back-translation instead of giving the original?
The provided back-translation is based exactly on the Klingon version. This helps the student of Klingon understand the words better. Also, used Klingon word plays and jokes are translated literally into English. In addition, it provides an all new interpretation of the original work.
Did you translate from the English original?
Yes, the original version was used for the translation. In addition, the translator consulted scientific papers and made research in order to understand the hidden wordplays.
Is it a straight translation, or is it the Klingon original with lots of honour, fighting and killing?
Before the translation started, it was a thoroughly considered decision to not change the original story. It is translated in that way that a native Klingon speaker could read this Terran story.
Does this work include new Klingon words?
Yes, there are about ten new words plus some expanded meanings of words included in the book. They are all explained in a detailed appendix.