The Languages Forum

     Go!
Prospero Blocks


 

Chat Center

Board Folders

Multi-language: 657 msgs in 48 dscns, Latest: Oct-10 Multi-language
657 msgs in 48 dscns
Latest: Oct-10
Spanish / Portuguese: 702 msgs in 106 dscns, Latest: Aug-29 Spanish / Port...
702 msgs in 106 dscns
Latest: Aug-29
French / Italian: 390 msgs in 43 dscns, Latest: 7/26/09 French / Italian
390 msgs in 43 dscns
Latest: 7/26/09
German / Germanic: 312 msgs in 24 dscns, Latest: Jan-29 German / Germanic
312 msgs in 24 dscns
Latest: Jan-29
Latin / Greek: 69 msgs in 11 dscns, Latest: 11/3/08 Latin / Greek
69 msgs in 11 dscns
Latest: 11/3/08
Slavic / E. European: 104 msgs in 16 dscns, Latest: Dec-25 Slavic / E. Eu...
104 msgs in 16 dscns
Latest: Dec-25
English / ESL / EFL: 1125 msgs in 62 dscns, Latest: Dec-27 English / ESL ...
1125 msgs in 62 dscns
Latest: Dec-27
E  Asian / Near Eastern: 32 msgs in 12 dscns, Latest: 5/30/09 E Asian / Near...
32 msgs in 12 dscns
Latest: 5/30/09
Forum Announcements: 106 msgs in 5 dscns, Latest: 9/12/08 Forum Announce...
106 msgs in 5 dscns
Latest: 9/12/08
Transl / Interpr HELP: 596 msgs in 89 dscns, Latest: 10/22/08 Transl / Inter...
596 msgs in 89 dscns
Latest: 10/22/08
Transl / Interpr MISC: 497 msgs in 76 dscns, Latest: Oct-27 Transl / Inter...
497 msgs in 76 dscns
Latest: Oct-27
Business/Tech Jobs / Careers: 82 msgs in 15 dscns, Latest: 10/1/08 Business/Tech ...
82 msgs in 15 dscns
Latest: 10/1/08
Old Friends: 38 msgs in 6 dscns, Latest: Sep-29 Old Friends
38 msgs in 6 dscns
Latest: Sep-29
The Tower: 962 msgs in 37 dscns, Latest: 5/17/09 The Tower
962 msgs in 37 dscns
Latest: 5/17/09
Message Area
Multi-language

A Bridge Between Cultures

 Subscribe SubscribeGet a printer-friendly version of this discussion Print Discussion 

#1 of 31

     Posted 2/23/05 11:35 PM   
John Barreiro [Wizop]
 
From  John Barreiro [Wizop]  Posts 973  Last 7/8/09
To  All      [Msg # 2308.1 ]    

The recent trip to Europe by GWB underscores the great job that is done behind the scenes by the respective leader's translators and interpreters.

It is not enough to be able to change one language for another. There are cultural bridges to cross too.

What are your comments and observations? Your personal experiences?

 

Best

J.


Nemo me impune lacessit

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#2 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 1:35 AM   
Ulrike Metz
 
From  Ulrike Metz  Posts 48  Last 3/27/05
To  John Barreiro [Wizop]      [Msg # 2308.2 Message 2308.2 replying to 2308.1 2308.1 ]    

>What are your comments and observations?<

Who I was primarily thinking of were the diplomats. Just to say: let's concentrate on the issues we agree on, that was an amazing move! Or was it?

But the interpreters must be amazing too, of course.

Ulrike

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#3 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 8:28 AM   
Shazz/Sysop
 
From  Shazz/Sysop  Posts 120  Last 4/8/05
To  John Barreiro [Wizop]      [Msg # 2308.3 Message 2308.3 replying to 2308.1 2308.1 ]    

Any idea how many translators are needed on a trip like that? And do we bring our own, or use translators on-site? If the latter, might need to "trust, then verify" to avoid any international incidents! <s>

Shazz in Chicago
 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#4 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 10:15 AM   
John Barreiro [Wizop]
 
From  John Barreiro [Wizop]  Posts 973  Last 7/8/09
To  Ulrike Metz      [Msg # 2308.4 Message 2308.4 replying to 2308.2 2308.2 ]    

Yes. Lots was accomplished in this trip, one can hope anyway.

The nuances of the Diplomatic language are suttle enough, add to that the task of translating into another culture, nevermind another language, so that the meaning is carried through unchanged.

J

 


Nemo me impune lacessit

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#5 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 10:22 AM   
John Barreiro [Wizop]
 
From  John Barreiro [Wizop]  Posts 973  Last 7/8/09
To  Shazz/Sysop      [Msg # 2308.5 Message 2308.5 replying to 2308.3 2308.3 ]    

Well, typically each head of State will have his or her primary interpreter and one or two back-ups, plus a core of translators for EACH language that will be involved.  Quite a few, I'd say.... Of course, some of those interpreters are qualified to do multiple languages as my cousin is. He can simultanously interpret Spanish / English / French / German and Italian.

J


Nemo me impune lacessit

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#6 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 10:27 AM   
Ulrike Metz
 
From  Ulrike Metz  Posts 48  Last 3/27/05
To  John Barreiro [Wizop]      [Msg # 2308.6 Message 2308.6 replying to 2308.5 2308.5 ]    

>He can simultanously interpret Spanish / English / French / German and Italian.<

WOW. That's great. That will solve a lot of problems!!! And must be much quicker than having 5 different interpreters!!!

I only wonder how he can do all that simultaneoulsy. It truly sounds like a tower of bable...

Ulrike

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#7 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 10:37 AM   
John Barreiro [Wizop]
 
From  John Barreiro [Wizop]  Posts 973  Last 7/8/09
To  Ulrike Metz      [Msg # 2308.7 Message 2308.7 replying to 2308.6 2308.6 ]    

Well, he does not actually translates into all those at the same time, but he can be among a group of people from, say, US, France and Germany and translate in the consecutive mode what one has said to the others, one at a time.

He has been doing this for at least 30 years and is now retired.  


Nemo me impune lacessit

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#8 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 10:49 AM   
Ulrike Metz
 
From  Ulrike Metz  Posts 48  Last 3/27/05
To  John Barreiro [Wizop]      [Msg # 2308.8 Message 2308.8 replying to 2308.7 2308.7 ]    

>...but he can be among a group of people from, say, US, France and Germany and translate in the consecutive mode ...<

Some people are way too smart. I'm a total loser because I find it hard enough to even understand ONE person in ONE language...

Ulrike

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#9 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 10:54 AM   
John Barreiro [Wizop]
 
From  John Barreiro [Wizop]  Posts 973  Last 7/8/09
To  Ulrike Metz      [Msg # 2308.9 Message 2308.9 replying to 2308.8 2308.8 ]    

>>Some people are way too smart. I'm a total loser because I find it hard enough to even understand ONE person in ONE language...<<

Not necesarely.... you probably have other areas where you stand out over the rest....

J


Nemo me impune lacessit

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#10 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 11:47 AM   
DickWeltz (NYC)
 
From  DickWeltz (NYC)  Posts 194  Last Jan-30
To  John Barreiro [Wizop]      [Msg # 2308.10 Message 2308.10 replying to 2308.1 2308.1 ]    

The recent trip to Europe by GWB underscores the great job that is done behind the scenes by the respective leader's translators and interpreters.

It is not enough to be able to change one language for another. There are cultural bridges to cross too.

Things have clearly changed for the better, John.

Dubya hasn't styled himself a jelly doughnut in Germany nor admitted to lust in Poland.

-- Dick

 

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#11 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 11:57 AM   
Nick Cvetkovic(Photography)
 
From  Nick Cvetkovic(Photography)  Posts 74  Last 9/3/08
To  DickWeltz (NYC)      [Msg # 2308.11 Message 2308.11 replying to 2308.10 2308.10 ]    

Well, the JFK "Ich bin ein Berliner" jelly donut line ranks up there with the supposed staged famous Iwo Jima flag-raising as being somewhat problematic and not quite what it seems at first glance:

I like this explanation the best:

'If he did not mean that he was a jelly doughnut, why did he say that phrase?

He said it because while that phrase does truly mean "I am a jelly doughnut," it also roughly, but correctly, translates as "I am one with the citizens of Berlin."  That was his intent.  That is what he meant.  That is what he said.  His translator was correct.  He was correct.  The legend, and those who perpetuate it, are massively incorrect.'

Or try this one

NBC  New Jersey
Visit my homepage  / blog

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#12 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 1:11 PM   
John Barreiro [Wizop]
 
From  John Barreiro [Wizop]  Posts 973  Last 7/8/09
To  Nick Cvetkovic(Photography)      [Msg # 2308.12 Message 2308.12 replying to 2308.11 2308.11 ]    

>>I like this explanation the best:<<

That's where the " between cultures" part of my statement comes from. One can not just translate words, one conveys the meaning of what the source said to the target in a manner that the target can understand in his or her culture. I like the analogy of the "butterflies in the stomach"....

>>Or try this one<<

Subtleties, you want subtleties in languages, try Japanese.... Or for that matter most of the Asian languages.

How are things with you? I haven't had much time to drop by Photography, with this forum and my interpreting business keeping me busier than when I was working full time. Retirement is not all that it's cracked up to be! <g>

J.


Nemo me impune lacessit

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#13 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 3:24 PM   
Nick Cvetkovic(Photography)
 
From  Nick Cvetkovic(Photography)  Posts 74  Last 9/3/08
To  John Barreiro [Wizop]      [Msg # 2308.13 Message 2308.13 replying to 2308.12 2308.12 ]    

Congrats on your new status as a BP, etc. 

Best of luck.

I'm ultra-busy doing other things while computer consulting languishes as a "I used to do that" memory.

You can check my website(see sig) to see what I'm up to.

I did take time to take in Christo's Gates and I have  pics up  here 

The Rosenthal picture came up in a discussion of what is a snapshot over in my home forum, somewhat contentiously, which is why I used it as an example here.

The "Ich bin ein Berliner" line, which still causes the hair on the back of my neck to rise when I hear the actual speech, has been derided by many including people who should know better.

As to retirement, that's not in the cards until ALL of our combined six kids are self-sufficient, probably 8 or more years away.

NBC  New Jersey
Visit my homepage  / blog

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#14 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 7:07 PM   
Dennis E. Davis
 
From  Dennis E. Davis  Posts 174  Last 5/1/09
To  DickWeltz (NYC)      [Msg # 2308.14 Message 2308.14 replying to 2308.10 2308.10 ]    

Dubya hasn't styled himself a jelly doughnut in Germany

I was in Germany (Bonn) from 63 to the end of 65. I shared an office with a young Luftwaffe Oberleutnant who was just one of many who told me, in great seriousness, how important Kennedy was to them and Germany. Gus (the Oberleutnant), who was from Berlin, told me that one had to be born in Berlin to understand how meaningful that phrase was to them. I never heard this "jelly doughnut" allegation there, and not even here until just a few years ago. Methinks it's an invention by someone seeking to make fun of Kennedy.

 

 

- Dennis - Tucson -
 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#15 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 8:22 PM   
Nick Cvetkovic(Photography)
 
From  Nick Cvetkovic(Photography)  Posts 74  Last 9/3/08
To  Dennis E. Davis      [Msg # 2308.15 Message 2308.15 replying to 2308.14 2308.14 ]    

Your observations jibe with mine.  I served in the US Army in Germany from April 1966 through April 1969.

To say JFK was revered in the old FRG is not hyperbole.

The jelly doughnut comments predate the Internet but are now just pervasive it's almost become 'common knowledge' even though very wrong.

NBC  New Jersey
Visit my homepage  / blog

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#16 of 31

     Posted 2/24/05 9:03 PM   
Dennis E. Davis
 
From  Dennis E. Davis  Posts 174  Last 5/1/09
To  Nick Cvetkovic(Photography)      [Msg # 2308.16 Message 2308.16 replying to 2308.15 2308.15 ]    

To say JFK was revered in the old FRG is not hyperbole.

No exaggeration in the least. My landlord in Bonn was an elderly man. When Kennedy was shot soon after he appeared at my door, to offer condolences to me, and he was crying. Within a few weeks streets were renamed "Kennedy Allee", all over. The line of people waiting to sign the condolences book in the lobby of the embassy was over a kilometer long, and 3/4 abreast.

 ...it's almost become 'common knowledge' even though very wrong.

Make a tale from whole cloth, spread it long enough and loudly enough, there are persons out there that will swallow that.

 

 

- Dennis - Tucson -
 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#17 of 31

     Posted 2/25/05 10:24 AM   
John Barreiro [Wizop]
 
From  John Barreiro [Wizop]  Posts 973  Last 7/8/09
To  Nick Cvetkovic(Photography)      [Msg # 2308.17 Message 2308.17 replying to 2308.13 2308.13 ]    

Thanks for the good wishes.

Glad to hear you're keeping busy. I my case retirement was a medical necesity.

The computer field is changing rapidly, I thought about continuing in the System Admin / System Enginering area but unless you have a large client base to start with, it's hard to do.

Enjoy!

J


Nemo me impune lacessit

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#18 of 31

     Posted 2/25/05 10:38 AM   
Nick Cvetkovic(Photography)
 
From  Nick Cvetkovic(Photography)  Posts 74  Last 9/3/08
To  John Barreiro [Wizop]      [Msg # 2308.18 Message 2308.18 replying to 2308.17 2308.17 ]    

Well, keep your health foremost in your concerns, all else is seconday.

In my case, in case I was too subtle, continuing to keep busy is a financial necessity.

I like the freedom to pick and choose what I'm doing now but the compensation is a bit on the light side, especially compared to computer consulting.

If I was into hindsight, I would have put some serious money into a retirement fund but...

NBC  New Jersey
Visit my homepage  / blog

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#19 of 31

     Posted 2/25/05 10:43 AM   
John Barreiro [Wizop]
 
From  John Barreiro [Wizop]  Posts 973  Last 7/8/09
To  Nick Cvetkovic(Photography)      [Msg # 2308.19 Message 2308.19 replying to 2308.18 2308.18 ]    

Thanks!, I follow my Dr's instructions closely.  Civil Service was good to me, although a retirement fund would have been nice, I thought I was too young to need one <g>

J


Nemo me impune lacessit

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply

#20 of 31

     Posted 2/25/05 10:50 AM   
Nick Cvetkovic(Photography)
 
From  Nick Cvetkovic(Photography)  Posts 74  Last 9/3/08
To  John Barreiro [Wizop]      [Msg # 2308.20 Message 2308.20 replying to 2308.19 2308.19 ]    

Well, I don't have any money coming to when I stop working except for SS plus whatever I get from the State of New Jersey for the stuff I'm doing now, as I think I mentioned.

Luckily, spouse will soon be a full professor and, eventually, have a PhD so we should be OK  once we get rid of the kids.

Health is everything, money only seems important.

My father, 3 weeks younger than the Pope, is in a nursing home and while not as sick as the Pope, the fact he has some money has zero affect on the quality of his life.   They both have Parkinson's and my Dad had a 'dual hospital stay' due to the flue last month in the coincidence department.

Off to finish shoveling the driveway

NBC  New Jersey
Visit my homepage  / blog

 OptionsReply to this Message Reply
 Subscribe SubscribeGet a printer-friendly version of this discussion Print Discussion 
Multi-language

A Bridge Between Cultures

  
 
     

Welcome, Guest

  • Post a message
  • New messages to you
  • Log in

Start Search
Advanced Search

Prospero Blocks
 
 
 
Special Offers
 
 
 

Finding People

 
 
 

Cool Clicks!

 
 
 
© 2009 CompuServe Interactive Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

Legal Notices | Privacy Policy