Translated phrase-list jokes
May 21, 2011 @ 9:20 am · Filed by Mark Liberman under Humor
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An amusing "Anglo-EU Translation Guide" has been circulating widely in recent weeks. This seems to come from the same source as an old Economist column ("I understand, up to a point", 9/2/2004; discussed here), which attributed the joke to "the Dutch, trying to do business with the British", and which also gave some examples from a list "written by British diplomats, as a guide to the language used by their French counterparts".
The recently-posted Anglo-EU Translation Guide shares 3 phrases with the 2004 Economist column (some expressive details aside), lacking 2 others and adding 12 more. So a combined Anglospeak phrase book would have 17 entries, as compiled below; no doubt there are many more candidates Out There.
What the British say What the British mean What others understand I hear what you say I disagree and do not want to discuss it further He accepts my point of view With the greatest respect… I think you are an idiot He is listening to me That's not bad That's good That's poor That is a very brave proposal You are insane He thinks I have courage Quite good A bit disappointing Quite good I would suggest… Do it or be prepared to justify yourself Think about the idea, but do what you like Oh, incidentally/ by the way The primary purpose of our discussion is… That is not very important I was a bit disappointed that I am annoyed that It really doesn't matter Very interesting That is clearly nonsense They are impressed I'll bear it in mind I've forgotten it already They will probably do it I'm sure it's my fault It's your fault Why do they think it was their fault? You must come for dinner It's not an invitation, I'm just being polite I will get an invitation soon I almost agree I don't agree at all He's not far from agreement I only have a few minor comments Please re-write completely He has found a few typos Could we consider some other options I don't like your idea They have not yet decided Correct me if I'm wrong I'm right, don't contradict me I may be wrong, please let me know Up to a point Not in the slightest Partially The Economist column gives only these three French phrases — does anyone have a longer list pinned to their wall?
French Phrase Literal Translation Idiomatic Translation "je serai clair" "I will be clear" "I will be rude" "Il faut la visibilité Européenne" "We need European visibility" "The EU must indulge in some pointless,
annoying and, with luck, damaging international grand-standing.""Il faut trouver une solution pragmatique" "We must find a pragmatic solution" "Warning: I am about to propose a highly complex, theoretical, legalistic and unworkable way forward." Or perhaps, for fairness, a list of translations (into English) of the English of Dutch diplomats?
These are examples of an old and widespread type of joke, which include phrasebooks for translating scientific and technical writing, for interpreting between the sexes or the generations, and so on.
Sturgeon's Law of course applies.
May 21, 2011 @ 9:20 am · Filed by Mark Liberman under Humor
This is great because it's true, and I have learned that these are phrases you have to use to avoid alienating yourself by being too blunt...