Friday, February 8, 2013

16 Most embarrassing translation

Based on a true story. I am aware that most of you probably knew this story, but I cannot help but chuckle whenever I think about it.

 Click image to enlarge

16 comments:

  1. JenniferFebruary 8, 2013 at 6:34 PM

    Years ago, when I worked at a Swedish translation agency, I got a phone call from an Italian agency we worked with. The Italian woman said, "I think there is something here that does not belong. It says: Rubriken olaslig, faxsidan avklippt." With very good pronunciation, considering she didn't speak Swedish. What she'd read was: "Illegible heading; fax page cut off". I learned after that little incident to always skim through translations we got in before sending them on to the client.

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 8, 2013 at 7:43 PM

    Oh my. Based on a true story, it is? I honestly do not know if I should laugh or cry!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousFebruary 8, 2013 at 9:08 PM

    Please go here:
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7702913.stm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousFebruary 8, 2013 at 9:23 PM

      Thank you, but Mox provided that same link below the cartoon...

      Delete
  4. translate website from english to spanishFebruary 9, 2013 at 6:09 AM

    haha, this blog really made my day! I'm so amused..lol

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  5. Muhammad Salman RiazFebruary 9, 2013 at 12:09 PM

    Mox, you have a good sense of humour, and you know how to present/draw it. Great!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2013 at 12:26 PM

    What many fail to realise, is that in this case the translator was equally, if not more, stupid and incompetent than the client.

    As a translator you are expected to be aware of your target audience and its linguistic capabilities and limitations. This not only applies to paid-per-word work, but also to simple things. Like communicating with your clients. Like the language in which you write your Out-of-Office note.

    In short, client can be forgiven (hey, if he could understand Welsh he wouldn't have needed the translation in the first place) - the translator should consider a different line of business...

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    Replies
    1. advocatus diaboliFebruary 15, 2013 at 4:39 PM

      It is true that the translator was certainly incompetent, but we don't know if he/she was stupid. It is important to note that the translator was working in-house. Maybe he/she just didn't care about the recipient not understanding the reply, or even it was on purpose.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousFebruary 18, 2013 at 10:46 PM

      "Maybe he/she just didn't care about the recipient not understanding the reply"

      That is the worst sin a translator can commit...

      Delete
    3. AnonymousSeptember 12, 2013 at 11:12 PM

      Wow! calm down... It sure was a terrible mistake, but really, I don't know why this guy is telling him to consider a different line of business... I suppose he's a "perfect translator" who has never made a single mistake!

      Delete
  7. certificate translationFebruary 13, 2013 at 6:22 AM

    Lol:) Very Funny......

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  8. AnonymousFebruary 21, 2013 at 5:49 PM

    Hmm, it is almost too funny to be true....

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  9. AnonymousFebruary 26, 2013 at 6:00 PM

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    ReplyDelete
  10. Prince2 coursesFebruary 27, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    A good one for a big laugh and thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  11. somya TranslatorsFebruary 27, 2013 at 2:38 PM

    I do agree with the comments stated by anonymous "As a translator you are expected to be aware of your target audience and its linguistic capabilities and limitations."
    If some one is asking for Translation services by the translators then Client should have to discuss about the Events and documents which is going to be Translated. Otherwise there may be some conflicts about the statement or sentence

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousFebruary 27, 2013 at 5:08 PM

    Great post, as usual!
    Congrats on the baby girl! I wish all the best to your family!

    Maria Clara
    www.valinhas.com.br

    ReplyDelete

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