The most deceased news
September 21, 2006
I've never lambasted automatic translation, because it's too easy. This little gem, found while doing a search on "manufacturability" (how do you translate that??), really made me laugh, though, so I thought I'd share it with you: "Les plus défuntes nouvelles" (the most deceased news) for "Latest news". Please try and have a little thought for the poor unfortunate news.
Posted by céline, in It is a funny job, on September 21, 2006I quite like "La cuvette superbe évente pour êtrre traitée à l'architecture et à la conception de Rossetti". It's tragic and funny at the same time....A whole page of a meaningless list of words put together. Thanks Céline.
Posted by Nathalie Reis on September 22, 2006 8:40 AMI wouldn't be so damning, actually. If a company makes the business decision to not invest in quality translation, for whatever reason (there isn't a market in a specific language, they don't have the budget for it, etc.), I think it's a good idea to provide a basic tool that will allow readers to at least get the gist of a web page. Some of it doesn't make sense, and it's all ugly language, but at least you get a vague idea of what the website is about.
Posted by céline on September 22, 2006 8:44 AMWho needs machines? Have a look at the website of the Plain English Campaign - they award "Golden Bulls" to great, human-produced examples of waffle, such as:
'Community Affairs delivers decentralised services with specific targeting and outreach techniques to achieve manifesto objectives. The front line interface with the public and community groups provides a catalyst input to services across the Council, supporting intiatives in priority areas e.g. equal opportunities, job creation and democratic rights and campaigning.'
http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/
Congratulations on a great blog (I have just "lost" a whole hour browsing!)
Posted by Amanda Grey on September 22, 2006 9:15 PMPrevious: September 19, 2006
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