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...

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

Richard_Less (imported) wrote: Wed Jun 24, 2009 10:43 am 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.

Richard_Less (imported) wrote: Wed Jun 24, 2009 10:43 am 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.

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.