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Spanish to English translations [PRO] Social Sciences - Social Science, Sociology, Ethics, etc. / Labour Mediation: INEM
Spanish term or phrase:fuera no ya indiscutible
This whole sentence, but particularly the section above is proving rather problematic. Does the "no ya" here mean "no longer" or does it mean something more along the lines of "let alone"?
Also, it's not entirely clear to me if the "plausible" at the start of the sentence has the meaning of "laudable/commendable" or "acceptable/believable". I'm assuming that "indiscutible" means "unquestionable" here.
Thanks in advance for any clarification on this sentence.
"La colocación de trabajadores en España es un servicio público, único y gratuito, igual que hace 59 años, al comienzo de la era franquista. **Sería plausible, si la eficacia de lo legislado *fuera no ya indiscutible,* sino siquiera medianamente aceptable.**"
Many thanks, Simon. I found all of the answers helpful, but given the context, I think thiis is probably the closest. Thanks again. 4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer
So, does everyone agree that "no ya" doesn't mean "no longer" here? Can it sometimes mean that though?
Automatic update in 00:
Answers
1 hr confidence: peer agreement (net): +1
fuera no ya indiscutible
remained undisputed
Explanation: This would be my take on it.
My literal reading is: “It would be credible if the effectiveness of this legislation was no longer undisputed, if it was even moderately acceptable”. But the double negative ("no longer undisputed") doesn't work very well in English, so I would suggest the structure in the example sentence below.
Hope this helps.
Example sentence(s):
Sería plausible si la eficacia de lo legislado fuera no ya indiscutible, sino siquiera medianamente aceptable.
If the effectiveness of this legislation was even moderately acceptable, it would be credible that it remained undisputed.
James A. Walsh Spain Local time: 07:32 Meets criteria Works in field Native speaker of: English, Spanish PRO pts in category: 29
Notes to answerer
Asker: Yes, the double negative seems to complicate matters even further.
Explanation: On reflection, I think this phrasing would work best:
It would be commendable if the effectiveness of the legislation were, if not indisputable, at least moderately acceptable
Simon Bruni United Kingdom Local time: 06:32 Meets criteria Specializes in field Native speaker of: English PRO pts in category: 56
Grading comment
Many thanks, Simon. I found all of the answers helpful, but given the context, I think thiis is probably the closest. Thanks again.
1 hr confidence: peer agreement (net): +3
let alone indisputable
Explanation: I think the best way of expressing this is the one you suggested yourself, but of course it will mean turning the sentence round:
"if the effectiveness of the legislation were at least moderately acceptable, let alone indisputable".
The implication of "ya no" (which is sometimes put the other way round: "no ya") is more or less "let us not put it as strongly as that" or "let us not ask for as much as that". Often "no ya/ya no... sino" means "not just... but", but it's not exactly that here. It's more "we would settle for moderately acceptable; indisputable would be asking too much (but would be great if it happened)".
"Plausible" clearly does mean "laudable/commendable" rather than "plausible".
-------------------------------------------------- Note added at 3 hrs (2012-01-12 15:40:00 GMT) --------------------------------------------------
I think Simon's latest suggestion, "if not indispensable", is spot on.
Charles Davis Local time: 07:32 Does not meet criteria Native speaker of: English PRO pts in category: 40
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peer agreement (net): +2
peer agreement (net): +1
