The word "scanlate" is commonly used in the manga and anime community to refer to fan-made translations of Japanese comics. The spelling of this word is derived from the combination of "scan" and "translate." In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈskænˌleɪt/. The initial "s" sound is followed by the "k" sound as in "kit." The second syllable is pronounced as "an" as in "pan," while the final syllable is pronounced as "late" to give it a smooth flow.
Scanlate (verb) - to scan and translate manga or other types of Japanese media into another language, typically English, using unofficial means.
Derived from the combination of the words "scan" and "translate," scanlate refers to the process of scanning printed manga pages and subsequently translating the text on those pages into another language, usually English. Scanlating is commonly practiced within the manga community by fans rather than professional translators or publishing companies. These fan-translated scanlations allow non-Japanese speakers to experience manga titles that have not yet been officially translated or released in their language.
The scanlation process typically involves a group of individuals who work collaboratively. One person will scan the pages of a manga into a digital format, while another member or a separate team will translate the Japanese text into English. The translated text is then digitally inserted into the scanned pages, traditionally using software such as Photoshop. The completed scanlation is usually distributed online through various platforms and websites dedicated to manga sharing and discussion.
Though scanlations are often appreciated by fans for providing access to otherwise inaccessible or long-awaited content, they often occupy a legal gray area due to copyright infringement. Publishers have expressed concerns regarding the impact scanlations have on the official release of titles, as well as the potential loss of revenue for creators and workers in the industry.
The etymology of the word "scanlate" can be traced back to a combination of two words: "scan" and "translate".
1. Scan: This word refers to the act of using a scanner or similar device to convert a physical document, such as a manga or comic, into a digital format. In the context of manga, fans would scan the pages of printed manga to create digital copies.
2. Translate: This word refers to the act of converting the text in one language to another language, preserving its meaning and intent. In the case of scanlation, fans would translate the text from Japanese (or any other language) into English or other languages.
Thus, the word "scanlate" was coined to describe the process of scanning and translating manga or comics, typically by fans or amateur translators, to make them accessible to a broader audience in different languages.