Second Unauthorized Tigrinya Translation of Philosopher’s Stone!
I’ve known about this one for a little while—in the process of securing a copy of the first, my source let me know they had found another translation—but the only photos I has were not clear enough to make out the details. But now, I’m delighted to say I have it in my possession!
This translation was actually published before the other so “first” and “second” only refers to discovery order. It was published with (at least) two covers, although the text is identical, including the front matter which has no printing details to signify the difference. If pressed, I would hazard the guess that the ‘train’ cover preceded the ‘movie’ cover.
I was a little surprised that the ISBN checks out! It’s well formed and belongs to a range registered to Aman Printing Press in Asmara, Eritrea!
| Title: | ሃሪ ፖተር እታ ናይ ፈላስፋ እምኒ |
| Transliteration: | hāri potar ‘etā nāy falasafā ’emeni |
| Translator: | Alex Bruush (ኣሌከሰ ብሩሸ) |
| ISBN: | 99948-52-87-6 |
| Published: | 2013 |
| Publisher: | Aman Printing Press |
| Purchase From: | unknown |
It’s incredible that you managed to find two versions! I have been looking for a long time and haven’t had any luck. I want to improve my Tigrinya language skills with a book I am familiar with. Is there anyway you can share where you found these or how you got in touch with publishers? Any insight would be really helpful, thanks!
I will send you an email!
Hi PotterGlot!
I’d love to give my eritrean neighbors a harry potter book to read to their kids, as they all never heard of the story. Is there any way you can tell me where to get it? That would be truly awesome! Greetings!
Sorry for the long response delay! I will send you an email!
Interesting- I’m based in Asmara now and have a good friend here who is also a potterhead, maybe we can track down a copy. Would be nice to add to my collection of obscure hp translations (Latin, Bengali, Arabic among others)
Sorry for the response delay!
It’s always great to hear from more collectors! 🙂 Especially ones in such out-of-the-way locations! If you have any luck or find any other translations of any of the books, please do let us know!
Hi, I’ve been speaking with my friend, and it turns out the translator is an old classmate and neighbour (of course, since everyone knows everyone in Asmara). He says that the hard copy may be found in the gallery. It is perfect timing since my friend is a great artist as well as a potterhead and we plan to develop some new illustrations and cover for this translation with an Asmarino’s interpretation. Will keep you updated on this fun little project of a new illustrated version of the Tigrinya translation!
Really! Is that Bruush or Desta-alem? Either way, I would love to get in contact with him! I am actually working on a book about Harry Potter translation so it would be really interesting to get his perspective. Please feel free to pass him my contact information and/or send me his (probably by email rather than a public forum would be better though 😉 )
It’s Bruush (actually a nom de plume) and that could hopefully be arranged. Your book sounds fascinating – there are so many angles to approach the topic from. I also recall a Bosnian friend who worked in a school for the blind saying that they received an early copy of the last book in the official Braille edition. It’s amazing how far the story was able to penetrate.
Oh and yes! Absolutely I would LOVE to see your illustrated version! Or any artwork. 🙂