Off topic: Any websites with funny translation stories?
Thread poster: Jan Sundström
Jan Sundström
Jan Sundström  Identity Verified
Sweden
Local time: 18:45
English to Swedish
+ ...
Jan 13, 2014

Hi!

I'm looking for examples when translation has gone wrong, with a funny twist to it.
Something like enrish.com, but I'd love to read more about the history how the error came about, not just a photo with a sign.

I found a few web pages, but the stories are too short and vague. Some of them might be urban myths, because there isn't enough detail to verify the time
... See more
Hi!

I'm looking for examples when translation has gone wrong, with a funny twist to it.
Something like enrish.com, but I'd love to read more about the history how the error came about, not just a photo with a sign.

I found a few web pages, but the stories are too short and vague. Some of them might be urban myths, because there isn't enough detail to verify the time and place:
http://joannemossdesign.com/blooper.htm
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/translation/articles/lost-translation.html
http://www.englishtown.com/community/channels/article.aspx?articleName=118-lost

On the contrary, here's a news article about something that actually happened, with real persons quoted and interviewed:
http://www.twincities.com/ci_21458154/st-paul-mcdonalds-hmong-pitch-mangles-language

If you can find any site that have more of these real translation stories, I'd love to read them!

/Jan
Collapse


 


To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator:


You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request »

Any websites with funny translation stories?






Protemos translation business management system
Create your account in minutes, and start working! 3-month trial for agencies, and free for freelancers!

The system lets you keep client/vendor database, with contacts and rates, manage projects and assign jobs to vendors, issue invoices, track payments, store and manage project files, generate business reports on turnover profit per client/manager etc.

More info »
CafeTran Espresso
You've never met a CAT tool this clever!

Translate faster & easier, using a sophisticated CAT tool built by a translator / developer. Accept jobs from clients who use Trados, MemoQ, Wordfast & major CAT tools. Download and start using CafeTran Espresso -- for free

Buy now! »