Using The In Game Translator (Gil for FFXI)
September 2nd, 2007I just typed all this out to answer a question in another forum - thought I'd post it here too!
Here is a guide to teach you how to use the in game translator for all you noobs and the rest of you who just never learned how to use it (because I don't think directions were included in the game manual). The translator is incomplete and awkward, but a concerted effort is usually enough to get your point across.
Deep breath… Here goes…
There is a list of words that have been translated into both Japanese and English. These words have been categorized for easy location. To browse the list of words bring up the chat box [spacebar] and press the [tab] key. You will see a list of categories such as "Locations" and "Weapon Skills." I don't have the game available to me right now, so I'm going from memory and I will not even attempt to make a full list of these categories. There are several pages of categories, browse through them and select the one that seems most likely to have the word or phrase that you wish to use. For example, if you wish to say "Fast Blade" go to "Weapon Skills" and scroll down (or up) until you find it. If you are planing to party with Japenese players (good idea if you ask me) I suggest you spend some time going through the hundreds of choices to get an idea of the kind of words/phrases you can use.
There is also an alternative method for finding specificly what you want to say. Type the first few letters of what you want to say ans hit the [tab] key. To continue with the "Fast Blade" example, Just type "Fas" and hit tab, "Fast blade" will pop up on your screen!
I recomend that you do not try to make complete sentences, as there are many common words that are not available such as articles, conjunctions, and prepositions (the, a, but, for, then, after). Even if you do find enough words to make a sentance, Japenese syntax is very different from English and this will probably serve to confuse more than to help. Just try to get the point across. i.e. <p1> "Fast Blade" <p2> "Red Lotus Blade" <p3> "Fire"
In this example of skill chaining, I also suggest that you change your English macros to be translated so you can use the same set when partying with anyone. English players will still see the text in English.
When you look at the translated words and phrases they will be in red and green brackets (so American players in the party will inevetibly ask you "How'd you do that? It looks funny!"), if you see this you will know that you are using it correctly. A lot of trial and error is nescisary to communicate effectively, but you may find that it is worth your while.
Phew - that was a lot of typing!
I hope that I am right in assuming that there are people out there that didn't know any of this (I didn't learn most of it until I was in my 20's), and that this helps someone. Good luck!
I've been around these forums, and I've never seen one like this - If there's a similar post do your thing mighty moderators!
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