ProZ.com Translation Forums

Could this be the worst-ever example of something getting lost in translation? | Hilarious !

Joseph Manley — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:43:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Could this be the worst-ever example of something getting lost in translation?
Poster: Joseph Manley
Post title: Hilarious !

In the excellent tradition of the very popular Japanese soft drink Pocari Sweat and the jeans brand name "Clean Pecker".

bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby | from the mouths of babes

Jande — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:13:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby
Poster: Jande
Post title: from the mouths of babes

What I also find funny is the of fleeting elements of "truth", which might otherwise be disguised if translated correctly, for example:

"Although the presence of cough is not mortal with your child to come, it can lead to the awkward moments and discomforting."

I can relate to that when I cough.

Also with the peeler manual. I will definately definately not put the peeler near anything fiery, nor will I use it on any tough materials or use it in the presence of children. I also fear for my fingers - must be a sharp peeler!

Could this be the worst-ever example of something getting lost in translation?

philgoddard — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:06:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Could this be the worst-ever example of something getting lost in translation?
Poster: philgoddard

[url removed]

bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby | Germ-massacre

Melanie Meyer — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:36:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby
Poster: Melanie Meyer
Post title: Germ-massacre

Hilarious! How about this one from the same text:

"There is much of disinfecting of germ-massacre which you can employ."

Indeed, whoever translated this must have been watching too many horror movies...

;-)))

bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby | ....

Evonymus (Ewa Kazmierczak) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:12:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby
Poster: Evonymus (Ewa Kazmierczak)
Post title: ....

[quote]Lingua 5B wrote:

Another evidence that anything can be published on the Internet without any control or sanctions.

What a terrible piece of writing. [/quote]

Yeah. It must be "the fruit of a love of" ignorance and arrogance "one for the other".

[Edited at 2012-01-09 23:12 GMT]

bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby | After reading this...

GeoS — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:03:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby
Poster: GeoS
Post title: After reading this...

I thing I got myself bronchitis and now I need to "catch drugs"...

Thankfully I'm not pregnant, otherwise the name options would be limited to Rosemary junior, or Demian.

now where did I put the phone number of that hot shower day labourer...

bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby | New English, Jose. Perfecto.

Suzan Hamer — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:53:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby
Poster: Suzan Hamer
Post title: New English, Jose. Perfecto.

[quote]José Henrique Lamensdorf wrote:

The New English looks like conventional English as we know it, however free from the commitment to make any sense whatsoever.

Your case reminded me of the example (Peeler Usage Manual) I put at the end of [b][url= [url removed] ]this page[/url][/b] , the point in common being that back-translation becomes the ultimate challenge, i.e. [i]Whaddaheck do these guys mean???[/i] [/quote]

Love the peeler usage manual. Worth the 99 cents just for the manual.

bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby | Publishing of articles

Lingua 5B — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:50:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby
Poster: Lingua 5B
Post title: Publishing of articles

Another evidence that anything can be published on the Internet without any control or sanctions.

What a terrible piece of writing.

bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby | It's the New English!

José Henrique Lamensdorf — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:25:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby
Poster: José Henrique Lamensdorf
Post title: It's the New English!

The New English looks like conventional English as we know it, however free from the commitment to make any sense whatsoever.

Your case reminded me of the example (Peeler Usage Manual) I put at the end of [b][url= [url removed] ]this page[/url][/b] , the point in common being that back-translation becomes the ultimate challenge, i.e. [i]Whaddaheck do these guys mean???[/i]

bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby | LOL!

Tony M — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:04:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby
Poster: Tony M
Post title: LOL!

[quote]Sylvie Chartier wrote:

It's certainly not native English... [/quote]

Ha ha! Could be the understatement of the year, that !

[quote]Jande wrote:

Anyone know a hot shower day labourer? [/quote]

No! But if anyone finds one, please send him round... day or night! ;-)

[quote]Jande wrote:

The film is a bit before my time... [/quote]

Oh dear, now you're making me feel OLD — I need cheering up... where's that hot shower day labourer when I need him ?? :D

bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby | Rosmary's Baby

Jande — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:55:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby
Poster: Jande
Post title: Rosmary's Baby

Hi Marina,

The film is a bit before my time...but sounds scary enough.

I think I might be coming down with pain in the trunk.

Immediate treatment is required to prevent an evil bun in the oven.

Still trying to source a hot shower day labourer!

Regards Jande

bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby | Do you remember "Rosemary's Baby"?

Marina Steinbach — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:22:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby
Poster: Marina Steinbach
Post title: Do you remember "Rosemary's Baby"?

[quote]Jande wrote:

(...) Anyone know a hot shower day labourer? [/quote]

Hello Jande,

Do you remember "Rosemary's Baby"?
You can find details at: [url removed]

Wishing you well!

Marina

bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby | Terrible

Sylvie Chartier — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:49:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby
Poster: Sylvie Chartier
Post title: Terrible

I wonder which language this text was translated from. It's certainly not native English...

[Edited at 2012-01-09 01:50 GMT]

bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby

Jande — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:26:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: bronchitis in pregnancy -> evil you and baby
Poster: Jande

I found this on the web [url removed]

Interestingly:

Colds, pain in the throat and trunk:
Immediately treated, those do not bring to the evil you or to the baby.

A hot shower day labourer is recommended.

Anyone know a hot shower day labourer?

Are you tired of translation? | It doesn't work like this...

Claudio LR — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:26:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: Claudio LR
Post title: It doesn't work like this...

[quote]Lingua 5B wrote:

If you double your rate, you will have twice as much free time, and still be earning the same amount. See how it's practical. [/quote]

This is a rather simplistic proposal I often here on proz, with different percentages.... You can't just double your rates and expect to have half of your work. If your rates are already above market rates for instance or (if you work for an agency) if your rate already cover most of the rate the end client pays to the agency, you may simply end up losing all your clients. And this applies also to smaller increases than "half". Often very busy people already have above average rates and similar rates for all their clients (which generally means they have already raised them as much as they could, eliminated any bad/low-paying clients and put a high threshold for new ones) and there is little they can do if they are still too busy (all the more so if you have more agency clients than direct ones). If you dump several clients (for example by keeping on incresing rates) you could still work full time most of the time, but the quality and diversification of your portfolio could go down, which means a risk if for example a recession or some specific problems affect some of your remaining clients. If you still feel comfortable with it, do it. It also depends on how much money you have put aside. If you have enough to live on for several years (and have no debt/mortgages etc) you can afford taking more risk with a smaller portfolio.

Are you tired of translation? | Don't get trapped...

Katarzyna Terelak — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:40:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: Katarzyna Terelak
Post title: Don't get trapped...

This is the problem with freelancing...At some point, you realize that you work 24/7, cause you are good (?) and keep deadlines and customers want your services. The only way, in my opinion, is to set some boundries. If an agency from the USA sends you a job at 6 pm, let's say, NY time, they should not expect you to answer their e-mail right away. If, for some reason, you lowered your prices because of, let's say, huge volumes, they should not expect you to offer such low rates for all jobs, etc. And, honestly, I do not understand why agencies order jobs by phone. We have e-mails and I think you should at least have a look at the text before you say "yes" and it's pretty difficult on the phone (ok, they can read the text to you, like a long 300-page financial statement, LOL). Holiday is also very important especially after longer periods of work - just decline jobs then, unless it is your regular customer.

As for all the additional jobs...Wife will do, or a father who is a retired economist and accountant...:-)

Cheers,
Kate

Are you tired of translation? | Maybe consider raising your rates?

Lingua 5B — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: Lingua 5B
Post title: Maybe consider raising your rates?

If you double your rate, you will have twice as much free time, and still be earning the same amount. See how it's practical.

Are you tired of translation? | prioritizing and strict planning might help

Pascale Pluton — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:56:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: Pascale Pluton
Post title: prioritizing and strict planning might help

Hello Jing,

It does indeed look like you need a break.

I too have to admit that I am sometimes feed up of translating, feeling like my brain has fried, feeling more like a machine than a human. Or like Charlie Chaplin doing some assembly line work in the film “Modern Times”. This is partly due to the nature of my specialisation (technical translation) and also to the fact that I am much in demand, but the main reason is actually a wrong planning, taking more than I can chew.
Your clients (agencie’s and direct clients alike) only see one thing. The quality of the service you deliver. So they come back to you as long as the quality meets their expectation. They have no clue about how busy, tired, sick or whatever you are. It is up to you to define your limits and to stick to it. You are the one that can regulate how fast the ‘assembly line’ goes. I think no reasonable customer will contradict the fact that you are not a machine able to run 24/24.
So why don’t you take good resolutions for the New Year and include in your signature your new office hours. I plan no more than 6 hours translating a day, adding to it 2 hours for unproductive time such as dealing with mails or phone, looking for inspiration, and Murphy’s Law. And then I have a full day, which is about the maximum I can cope with, without too much incidence in my private life. And of course the weekend and evenings are mine. In those 6 hours, I plan a reasonable target and when the target is met before the end of the day, I usually stop translating. Only in some occasions I carry on to get ahead of schedule.
I strictly plan my work, using a software to record my projects (and issuing invoices) and time spent which, combined with a Trados analysis processed in Excel allows to see whether I am on schedule or not. This is a way of releasing stress.
Another way might be, in case of direct clients, to write some standard document summing up all that you client needs to know. That might reduce repeating the same things again and again.
Also what about having 2 different phone lines, one private, and one for work (with a message indicating your opening hours). In that way, you can ignore those who call while ‘the office is closed’. The work related line may as well be a cheap mobile.
About availability, I noticed that direct clients always come with a job when I am fully booked. That is why I got in touch with trustworthy colleagues who can do the translation for me should it be necessary. This system also allows you to take time off without losing your direct clients. Find a trustworthy colleague with whom you share the same values to take over the project management. Allow this colleague to have access to your mails via webmail, forward you professional line to his/her phone (or even better to a mobile you lend him/her so that it is clear that those calls are for you and not for him/her) and there you are: ready to go on holiday.

When you are less tired and when you have your time/project management sorted out, you can then take time to reflect on your needs. If you, like me, need some degree of contact with nature, physical and artistic activity, which can not be catered for by translation (which I like), then it might make sense to take time for those activities which will help you feel happy and refreshed. To your benefit and that of your clients.
At such times you can also think of ways to improve your productivity. What do you think of working less and earning more, or at least as much? Let’s go for it! :-)

Are you tired of translation? | While you are taking a break...

Giles Watson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:04:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: Giles Watson
Post title: While you are taking a break...

[quote]Jing Nie wrote:

Good suggestion.
From 2004 to now, my rate for direct clients rised for about 40% to 50%.
But the price of pork increased 100% percent, the price of apartmnets increased 300% percent in China.
So I am not sure if it is reasonable to say I earn more than before :)

[/quote]

... have a good think about your client portfolio and your skills set.

Try to identify the sectors and language combinations where you have scope for raising your rates (ie, the areas where you are significantly more proficient than other translators in the same language combination) and work out how you can further enhance your competitive advantage (training, study, marketing).

There is little point in expending effort on market sectors where plenty of other translators offer similar services. Focus on your strengths - the areas where you don't have to chase business because the customers come to you - and improve them. Then pick the customers that appreciate your abilities, use Proz or any other medium that occurs to you to raise your market profile and keep ramping up your rates in line with those pricey apartments.

Provided you are good enough, your clients will be too busy making money out of your translations to complain ;-)

Are you tired of translation? | Draw a line...

Sigrid Andersen — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:15:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: Sigrid Andersen
Post title: Draw a line...

You sound stressed, which is not good for you or your buisness. I just recently started as fulltime freelancer , after being an employed translator and part-time frelancer for many years. I took this decision after a big burnout breakdown, and made some clear "rules" for myself. Start of the year, i announce to all my long-term customers when i will be on vacation this year (they will have lots of time to think about how to place procejts and orders this way) and i do get at least 6 weeks a year off. No work in weekends unless its a small very urgent job for a long term customer. No work after 8pm and before 8 pm.....at least 1h lunchbreak. All bookkeping s taken care of by a bookkeeper. Invoicing only once a month.

The coach in a stress management course was putting this very well: "We didnt get self-employed to work more, but to manage our time ourselves. Now we just have to step up and do exactly that"

Hope somthing of what i ve written can help you to get "the glow" back. Good luck!

Are you tired of translation? | Need a break

Tina Vonhof — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:15:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: Tina Vonhof
Post title: Need a break

It sounds like you are burnt out and badly need to take a break, even if just for a couple of weeks. Notify all your regular clients and go on a holiday, a visit to family in another part of the country, or simply turn off your computer and phone and go to the park, read a book, or whatever. If the demand is as high as you describe, I don't think your regular clients will abandon you.

You need to take some time to get in touch with 'yourself' , re-assess what your needs and priorities and limitations are. Don't lose yourself in the demands from the outside world, thinking that you must be at everyone's beck and call at all times of the day and night. Ask yourself if you could get by with a little less income if that means you can take a weekend off or spend a half hour each day on going for a walk. Ask yourself if you are going to lose the client if you say you can get the work done by Thursday instead of Tuesday. Could you ask your clients to e-mail you instead of phoning, so that you have more control over your time? Or phone at a certain time of the day? Or could you turn your phone off for a couple hours at a time, so that you can work in peace? One way or another, you need to find some time for yourself.

By taking care of yourself and taking more control of your time, you may also re-cover your love of translating. I assume that you chose this profession because you loved doing it - don't let that go.

Best wishes for 2012,

Tina

Are you tired of translation? | Yep

Williamson — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:13:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: Williamson
Post title: Yep

Tired of only translation. A bit. It is no use crying over spilt milk, but if in my youth one had describe my function as "Sitting behind a computer screen, no communication with the outside world", I would never set foot in a school for Translators.
Fortunately, there is such a thing a escort interpreting, facilitating interpreting, corporate interpreting... When the visit or meeting is over (at 5 p.m.), the day is done and the income earned.

[Edited at 2011-12-29 08:16 GMT]

Are you tired of translation? | I already do so in the past few years

Jing Nie — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:10:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: Jing Nie
Post title: I already do so in the past few years

Good suggestion.
From 2004 to now, my rate for direct clients rised for about 40% to 50%.
But the price of pork increased 100% percent, the price of apartmnets increased 300% percent in China.
So I am not sure if it is reasonable to say I earn more than before :)

[quote]Jabberwock wrote:

I think the problem described in the original post is related to supply/demand management. That is, if you are busy all the time (I'm not talking about an odd month here) and have to routinely refuse assignments, it means that the demand for your services exceeds your supply. There is a simple way to regulate that - rates. You can start by increasing the rates to new clients, if that goes well you can gradually propose that to your existing clients.
[/quote]

Are you tired of translation? | Demand management?

Jabberwock — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:53:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: Jabberwock
Post title: Demand management?

I think the problem described in the original post is related to supply/demand management. That is, if you are busy all the time (I'm not talking about an odd month here) and have to routinely refuse assignments, it means that the demand for your services exceeds your supply. There is a simple way to regulate that - rates. You can start by increasing the rates to new clients, if that goes well you can gradually propose that to your existing clients.

Are you tired of translation? | Bit concerned

Charlie Bavington — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:46:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: Charlie Bavington
Post title: Bit concerned

[quote]Jing Nie wrote:

But I am really tired of working everyday, and even think if one day I sleep and never wake up will be a happy ending for me. [/quote]

Is this just some unfortunate non-native structure, or am I to think that it means what it says?

Assuming the latter, then at the very least you need a holiday/break/change of scene (literal or metaphorical). If you're good enough, your clients will return, and if they don't, you're not good enough, and it would be a shame to spend your life working at a career you're not very good at AND makes you wish you were dead.

Less flippantly, you might want to consider talking to someone professional if possible, if your working life is depressing your mood to that extent.

Are you tired of translation? | vacation needed :)

Evonymus (Ewa Kazmierczak) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:49:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: Evonymus (Ewa Kazmierczak)
Post title: vacation needed :)

[quote]Jing Nie wrote:
But just a few days ago, I felt that I am totally tired of it after completing a very big project. With the increasing of my clients, I have to spend more time everyday on translation, talking with clients on the phone, sending invoices, dealing with all kinds of problem my clients can not solve.
[/quote]
The same feeling here. It has been a good year for me (business-wise), but I'm feeling so tired now, and those several projects piling up on my desk seem like an enormous task now. How am I going to do that...? :)

[quote]Nicole Schnell wrote:
There is one thing I learned (from my clients): They want you fresh and rested, energetic and full of vigor. Vacations are important. Sleep is important. They won't replace a trusted, reliable go-to translator with a new one at the drop of a hat. But they will replace a burned-out one and I have seen several colleagues with whom I worked regularly on the same accounts vanish into oblivion. During the last two or three years I mercilessly developed the habit of having my phone turned off 90% of the time. I get so much more work done. I also don't drop my work to answer each and every email that is not related to my current job immediately. [/quote]

And that's a wise perspective and excellent advice! Thank you Nicole!
All the best for the coming year, to all of you.
Ewa

[Edited at 2011-12-28 18:20 GMT]

Are you tired of translation? | Wish I had a wife...

aceavila - Noni — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:53:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: aceavila - Noni
Post title: Wish I had a wife...

[quote]Joeri Van Liefferinge wrote:

A few years ago, my wife took over invoicing, payments and all the red tape aspects of being a freelancer. That takes a lot of weight off of my shoulders and I can concentrate on what I like most: interacting with my clients and translating! [/quote]

LOL

Noni

Are you tired of translation? | Tired of some translation market idiosyncrasies

José Henrique Lamensdorf — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:11:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: José Henrique Lamensdorf
Post title: Tired of some translation market idiosyncrasies

After 38 years doing it professionally, I'm not tired of translation in itself. I'm not tired of wearing too many non-translation hats (customer service, billing, accounting, logistics, software, etc.). I really enjoy wearing an entire rack of translation-related hats, such as DTP, PPT, PDF, video editing, subtitling, DVD authoring, etc.

However I am tired of several unique quirks the translation market has:
[list][*] Too many clients who feel entitled to impose all terms and conditions: turnaround time (regardless of feasibility), price, payment terms, payment methods, etc.
[*] Several clients demanding specific tools (viz. Trados) even when there is no reason to use [i]any[/i] such tool (e.g. a 300-word handwritten document).
[*] A flock of clients who demand their requests to be fulfilled to the dot, while they are quite careless about their own commitments (e.g. pay late).
[*] Some clients assigning translators an urgent job keep them waiting for an extended period of time before giving them anything to work on (while that short deadline remains unchanged).
[*] A few clients attempting to apply severe penalties on nondescript and undocumented quality flaws, merely by stating that they should exist.
[*] (add your own list)[/list]

It seems that over the years too many "translators", low in both self-esteem and business acumen, have taken [i]"Client is king!"[/i] to a new level, turning many of these kings into drunken dictators.

I'm not saying this applies to all nor most translation clients, however the growing number of such [i]drunken dictators[/i] among them has become a nuisance.

Are you tired of translation? | I totally agree

Helena Chavarria — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:55:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: Helena Chavarria
Post title: I totally agree

[quote]neilmac wrote:

So true, which is why I get so angry when people (usually Trados proselytizers) tell me I ought to recycle my skills, offer new services etc. The actual wordsmithery of translation is a labour of love for me. All the rest - billing, management, PR - is simply a slog. [/quote]

And I think the paperwork you need to plough through every three months is even worse if you live in Spain - as I do.

Are you tired of translation? | Master of none

neilmac — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:23:00 +0000

Forum: Lighter side of trans/interp
Topic: Are you tired of translation?
Poster: neilmac
Post title: Master of none

[quote]Nicole Schnell wrote:

As a freelancer or any self-employed person, for that matter, you always have to combine several professions in one. You are in management, you are customer service, you are the front-desk, you are the accounting department, all at once - and when all people are finally happy and by the time you are tired and worn-out from all this communicating and it is already late afternoon - hey! then you might even find the time to do the productive job that you are paid for. Translating, that is. [/quote]

So true, which is why I get so angry when people (usually Trados proselytizers) tell me I ought to recycle my skills, offer new services etc. The actual wordsmithery of translation is a labour of love for me. All the rest - billing, management, PR - is simply a slog.