“I think I’ll have the Crazy Man, in order to itch,” said Gary. “Do you have a preference?”
“Hmn, the simple table cold looks good, but I’m going straight for a Back to the Poor Man,” I replied, scanning the menu in case there was anything else that grabbed my attention.
The meal names did make perfect sense in Spanish, but were much better in translation, which is why we had come back to this restaurant for a second time. (Locos y machas, para picar, y lomo a la pobre, in case you were wondering). Fantastic translations can be found anywhere in Chile. It’s what happens when someone with all the best intentions uses a translation tool online, and literally gets what they asked for.
Chile lacks qualified and skilled native English speakers and writers. While many people whose first language is English set themselves up as teachers or translators, it is not enough to simply have grown up speaking the language. There can be an element of arrogance amongst people who speak English as a first language, assuming that as they speak the language better than most non-native speakers, they have the necessary skills to manipulate the language for the marketplace.
Native speakers who lack commercial writing experience and ability are responsible for the plethora of direct translations in the likes of tourism brochures. Direct translations result in gems like “Come and enjoy the marvellous views and meet here your destinies.”
Good translation is about conveying the meaning and the tone, not just the words. It requires people with writing talent and relevant market experience. The language is just the start.
Unfortunately, the problem exists at all levels. I’m baffled as to how the embarrassing slogan for ProChile (Chile's Export Promotion Bureau) “Chile: All Ways Surprising” made it past the brainstorming level into actual use. It now appears to be gently slipping away and I really hope Chile finds better advisors for the next attempt. The country doesn’t just need English, it needs good English.
“Hmn, the simple table cold looks good, but I’m going straight for a Back to the Poor Man,” I replied, scanning the menu in case there was anything else that grabbed my attention.
The meal names did make perfect sense in Spanish, but were much better in translation, which is why we had come back to this restaurant for a second time. (Locos y machas, para picar, y lomo a la pobre, in case you were wondering). Fantastic translations can be found anywhere in Chile. It’s what happens when someone with all the best intentions uses a translation tool online, and literally gets what they asked for.
Chile lacks qualified and skilled native English speakers and writers. While many people whose first language is English set themselves up as teachers or translators, it is not enough to simply have grown up speaking the language. There can be an element of arrogance amongst people who speak English as a first language, assuming that as they speak the language better than most non-native speakers, they have the necessary skills to manipulate the language for the marketplace.
Native speakers who lack commercial writing experience and ability are responsible for the plethora of direct translations in the likes of tourism brochures. Direct translations result in gems like “Come and enjoy the marvellous views and meet here your destinies.”
Good translation is about conveying the meaning and the tone, not just the words. It requires people with writing talent and relevant market experience. The language is just the start.
Unfortunately, the problem exists at all levels. I’m baffled as to how the embarrassing slogan for ProChile (Chile's Export Promotion Bureau) “Chile: All Ways Surprising” made it past the brainstorming level into actual use. It now appears to be gently slipping away and I really hope Chile finds better advisors for the next attempt. The country doesn’t just need English, it needs good English.
1 comments:
hi guys how are you? got on facebook yet? it is safe you can set your settings for private -only firends and nobody else can get into your account, hope to see you there. take care sofie
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