Lost in Translation

[Richard_Less (imported)]

I've seen the occasional English title for various stories which catch my attention, but alas, the story itself is in French (which I am too rusty in to even read at a grade school level), German, etc.

Such a disappointment - especially when I see one with my name in it!

Anyway, I have tried Babelfish to translate the page, but the output is almost as incomprehensible as the original language is. I can, at least get the general idea but it takes away from the mood - just like watching a movie where you have to constantly tell yourself "This is where I must suspend my disbelief." But that's another peeve for another thread.

It seems that any online translators simply do a literal word for word translation which does not translate the meaning.

For example, the literal translation from French to English for "Un stylo bleu." is "A pen that is blue." A more accurate conceptual translation would be "A blue pen." considering the English language has a different gramer style. Granted, Babelfish translates that to English properly, but some concepts can be pretty advanced.

Is anyone aware of a better online/software translator - or am I going to have to make friends who can translate for me - or just learn the language myself?

Another idea would be for someone here fluent enough in the respective languages to translate the story for the rest of us - If I had the knowledge, I would volunteer.

Now I wish movies could be also be translated on a concept basis - just watch some Japanese ot Italian films with subtitles...

[Paolo]

As much as we try to, sometimes a story gets by without the Non-English language being listed in the title. Sorry about that...

[gareth19 (imported)]

For example, the literal translation from French to English for "Un stylo bleu." is "A pen that is blue." A more accurate conceptual translation would be "A blue pen."

No! Un stylo bleu is "a blue ballpoint pen"; "a pen that is blue" would be une plume c'est bleu.

Another idea would be for someone here fluent enough in the respective languages to translate the story for the rest of us - If I had the knowledge, I would volunteer.

Machine translators, unless they are very expensive, do a poor job of translating, but, alas, human translation requires a human with time. Paolo, in fact, posted a note about being swamped with German submissions.

[randy (imported)]

Before you click on them, just expect them all to be in a foreign language and you won't be so disappointed. In fact, you'll be happy when it actually is in English.