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ambiguous phrase

English translation: The complexity... Me inclino por tu primera opción (ver)

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Spanish term or phrase:	ambiguous phrase
English translation:	The complexity... Me inclino por tu primera opción (ver)
Entered by:	Lisa Roberts

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23:21 Mar 7, 2007

Spanish to English translations [PRO]
Education / Pedagogy

Spanish term or phrase: ambiguous phrase

La lengua es, probablemente, el activo más preciado de los pueblos. *Pero toda la riqueza del idioma puede convertirse en un gran obstáculo* a la hora de empezar una carrera universitaria o cursar estudios de doctorado. Y es en esas circunstancias cuando nuestros cursos son imprescindibles.

I can't decide whether the text between asterisks means either:

1. The 'richness/complexity of language' is a stumbling block...

OR

2. The 'value we place upon language as a society' is a stumbling block

I've so far translated the rest of the phrase as follows:

Language is probably the most highly-prized asset among society. Yet it is the very richness of language that can become a stumbling block for students enrolling on a degree or PhD programme, and gives rise to circumstances...

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.. many thanks :)

Lisa Roberts KudoZ activity Questions: 517 (none open) (4 closed without grading) Answers: 126 France
Local time: 20:18

The complexity... Me inclino por tu primera opción (ver)

Explanation:
La riqueza (y dificultad) con frecuencia paraliza a los estudiantes en el momento en que se enfrentan a las disertaciones verbales o por escrito que exigen los estudios de licenciatura o posgrado.
No creo que se refiera al valor que la sociedad le da, sino 1) al que tiene dentro de la sociedad y 2) debido a su complejidad asusta a muchos.
En fin, esa es mi interpretación.

Selected response from:

MargaEsther
Local time: 13:18

Grading comment

Muchas gracias MargaEsther :)
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer

Summary of answers provided

4 +7

The complexity... Me inclino por tu primera opción (ver)

MargaEsther

4 +2

obstacle

momo savino

Discussion entries: 1

Answers

8 mins confidence:

peer agreement (net): +2

obstacle

Explanation:
Stumble leads to think that an attempt to go ahead has been made. Obstáculo is something that stops you there, does not let you go forward.

momo savino
Local time: 20:18
Specializes in field
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Italian,

Spanish