Re: Humor 'n' more

[Bill Burns <BillDB -at- ILE -dot- COM>]

David Warren writes:

>      Humor causes real headaches for documents either used internationally
>      or translated into other languages.  Verbal humor is one of the most
>      idiomatic forms of speech; more culturally-specific than even insults
>      and "foul language."  Even within the english language, some British
>      humor does not connect with US audiences, or Austrailian,...
>
>      THAT said, I *love* the Dummies books...but I'd hate to have to
>      translate one into Japanese.
>
Humor, like idiom and metaphor, doesn't translate well. The IDG series is a
good example. One example in our new writing-for-localization seminar
includes an Italian translation of *Mac for Dummies*. However, trying to
sell such a title in Italy would've failed miserably. The title for the work
there was translated "Macintosh without effort." I don't remember if the
Italian version  retained the comic strips, but I doubt it did considering
the different conventions cultures have  for humor.

Humor may have its uses in informal technical documentation. However, in
technical documentation that will be localized, it really isn't appropriate.
In some cases it can be condescending or offensive.

Bill Burns
ILE Communications/Eccentric Technology Consultant
billdb -at- ile -dot- com
> Madness takes its toll.  Please have exact change.
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