September 30, 2013

Happy Translation Day


Happy Translation Day

In honor of International Translation Day (September 30), we demonstrate rather graphically the value of having a good, human translator.

First, an aside. Let it be know that the reason ITD is celebrated on this day is because it is the day, in 420 AD, when St. Jerome of Stridonium – the Patron Saint of Translators – passed on. You can read his story here. Now, back to our main item...

Below is a collection of hilarious mis-translations on signage, all of them having to do with Russian. Of course, it helps to have some Russian to understand what is wrong here, but not in call cases.  (Of course, if you don't understand the joke, just ask a translator!)

If you would like to view the original RuNet post where we saw these signs, just hop on over here.

Enjoy!

 

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Some of our Books

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This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

At the Circus
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Moscow and Muscovites
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Vladimir Gilyarovsky's classic portrait of the Russian capital is one of Russians’ most beloved books. Yet it has never before been translated into English. Until now! It is a spectactular verbal pastiche: conversation, from gutter gibberish to the drawing room; oratory, from illiterates to aristocrats; prose, from boilerplate to Tolstoy; poetry, from earthy humor to Pushkin. 

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Fearful Majesty

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Steppe
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Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

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The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
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The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.

 

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