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-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+kmurri=comcast -dot- net -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+kmurri=comcast -dot- net -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of
Joe Malin
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2006 6:07 PM
To: Evans, Diane L (Rosetta); techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: RE: Tech writers: our pathetic lives
I don't notice this problem all that much. Not that it doesn't *exist*, I
just don't notice it.
After all, I live in the Silicon Valley. The writing by "educated"
people is bad enough. I don't have time to worry about the ordinary store
signs.
On the other hand, I once worked in software localization. I know several
languages, and I also know the terrors of translating into English.
Furthermore, I did a lot of traveling overseas. My colleagues used to tease
me about my outrage over "English" translations (or lack
thereof) I encountered. Somewhere I have a large photo collection of
howlers, some of them taken from quite prestigious institutions like the
Louvre!
Something like "Pour plusiers reseignements, allez a la..." "For more
information, go at the cashier" (you'll pardon my memory, it was a while
ago).
Just because you know English, doesn't mean you can write. And just because
you know your native language and English, doesn't mean you're qualified to
translate from one to the other.
Joe
Joe Malin
Technical Writer
(408)625-1623
jmalin -at- tuvox -dot- com
www.tuvox.com
The views expressed in this document are those of the sender, and do not
necessarily reflect those of TuVox, Inc.
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+jmalin=tuvox -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+jmalin=tuvox -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of
Evans, Diane L (Rosetta)
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2006 10:55 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Tech writers: our pathetic lives
>New theme: Let's all see if we can "out pathetic" each other on our
>anal-retentive tendencies.
My mind visibly hurts when I look at some store signs, such as
"Sandwitches." (Of course, that also brings up humorous beach pictures).
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