Andrew answers “Why did they choose to change the title...”

Michael asked this question about Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1):

Why did they choose to change the title for the U.S.?

Andrew Hale Some changes are due to word meanings in different regions, so it could be a moved to not misinform the possible reader of what the story is about. I …moreSome changes are due to word meanings in different regions, so it could be a moved to not misinform the possible reader of what the story is about. I read a lot of sword-and-sorcery and fantasy where sorcerer or magician or wizard are more common, never hearing philosopher used as anything other than a student/teacher of philosophy. As far as Americans being "dumbed" down, as I've heard, the public doesn't require name changes any more than they demand English dubbed cinema. I found a new love when I watched Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon under its original language. Publishers and producers are seemingly disconnected from the public in that regard and think we cannot, or do not want to, handle other cultures or languages or such. We are more prone to engage what we don't know if you keep middle men from dictating our exposure.(less)

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

by J.K. Rowling

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