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The asker opted for community grading. The question was closed on 2010-10-12 15:54:11 based on peer agreement (or, if there were too few peer comments, asker preference.)
Dutch to English translations [PRO] Science (general)
Dutch term or phrase:territoriumdrift
What is the correct translation of 'territoriumdrift'. The passage reads:
'Er is een enorme territoriumdrift ontstaan. Nieuwe visgronden en grote olie- en gasvelden worden sneller bereikbaar dan gedacht. Een aantal landen voelt zich ineens toch verwant met het Arctische gebied.'
Explanation: Second, we are unlike Rome, unlike Britain and France and Spain and the other classical empires of modern times, in that we do not hunger for territory.
-------------------------------------------------- Note added at 21 mins (2010-10-08 18:51:10 GMT) --------------------------------------------------
“Hunger for territory” seems too descriptive. The original would have said, “honger voor territorium” if that were meant. It says ‘drift,’ meaning ‘drive.’
As the answers by Dr. Lofthouse and Barend van Zadelhoff show, the translation depends on further context. If the Dutch term 'drift' is intended to mean something like urge, desire or impulse (as Van Dale renders it), then Barend's answer would be correct. If 'drift' (in Dutch) refers to movement (Van Dale: a ship adrift, the ice is drifting), then Dr. Lofthouse's answer would fit the bill. It all depends on the wider context. The given passage alone is inconclusive. In the latter case, by the way, 'territorial shift' might also be an option.
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Answers
13 mins confidence:
Territorial drift
Explanation: . explained in text
Dr Lofthouse United Kingdom Works in field Native speaker of: English, Italian
Explanation: Second, we are unlike Rome, unlike Britain and France and Spain and the other classical empires of modern times, in that we do not hunger for territory.
-------------------------------------------------- Note added at 21 mins (2010-10-08 18:51:10 GMT) --------------------------------------------------
a great hunger for territory has grown
Barend van Zadelhoff Netherlands Local time: 09:20 Native speaker of: Dutch PRO pts in category: 4
The translation workplace 
peer agreement (net): +3
