Lost in translation...........

[ceejay]

I don't know if the name of this block of serviced apartments in Ubon Ratchathani lost something in the translation or what, but it surely wins some sort of a prize for the business name least likely to attract customers:
http://www.costlyplace.com/

[lvdkeyes]

Translation from UK English to US English can be strange too. Homely in UK means comfortable and home like. In the US it means plain, usually referring to a person's appearance. Homely in UK - Homey is US.

[Gaybutton]

There are so many similar examples of mistranslations and misinterpretations. One of my favorites is the Funny Boys bar in Pattaya. Have you ever wondered how the bar got its name? Most Thais seem to think the word 'funny' means 'fun,' without realizing to most native English speakers the word 'funny' means 'humorous.' If they got it right when they first opened, the bar probably would have been named Fun Boys. I even see several examples of the same thing on Gay Romeo profiles: "I look for sex and funny" seems to be typical.

I have no idea why so many Thai businesses never have their signs, restaurant menus, publications, etc, proofread by native English speakers, especially since there are so many readily available, but they don't. As a result, you end up with things like the following photo. I've posted this photo a few times before. Here it is again. This sign is my all time favorite example:

[patexpat]

I have no idea why so many Thai businesses never have their signs, restaurant menus, publications, etc, proofread by native English speakers

In my experience it's because they can't conceive that they need help or clarification from a farang ... that dreaded loss of face thing should you correct them!

But I think you already know that GB ....

[Gaybutton]

that dreaded loss of face thing should you correct them!

But I think you already know that GB ....

I do, yes. But I don't think there would be a loss of face if they asked for a proofreading first, before anyone would need to correct them later. In any case, for whatever their reasons few ever ask, few ever make corrections later if anyone points out the mistakes, and we all get to have a good laugh when we encounter the mistakes - and that's just about anywhere every day . . .

[xiandarkthorne]

Some do have their signage proofread...usually by a friend of a friend or relative who's supposed to 'know English' quite well (because he can talk to farangs is the usual mark of a local 'expert'). I suspect that's one likely explanation for the wonderful signboard in GB's post.

The same thing happens in Malaysia. Recently three government agencies had to have their websites taken off-line precisely because of this kind of 'translation' by resident 'Inggeris experts' who set to work with the old bilingual dictionary from when they were in school. However, I must admit that when some take the trouble to have their brochures, etc. written or prooofread by local 'English PhD holders' the results can occasionally turn out worse. I wonder if the same thing happens in dear old LOS, too...

[lvdkeyes]

English from Around the World:

In a Bangkok Temple:
IT IS FORBIDDEN TO ENTER A WOMAN, EVEN A FOREIGNER, IF DRESSED AS A MAN.

Cocktail lounge, Norway:
LADIES ARE REQUESTED NOT TO HAVE CHILDREN IN THE BAR.

Doctor's office, Rome:
SPECIALIST IN WOMEN AND OTHER DISEASES.

Dry cleaners, Bangkok:
DROP YOUR TROUSERS HERE FOR THE BEST RESULTS.

In a Nairobi restaurant:
CUSTOMERS WHO FIND OUR WAITRESSES RUDE, OUGHT TO SEE THE MANAGER.

On the main road to Mombasa, leaving Nairobi:
TAKE NOTICE: WHEN THIS SIGN IS UNDER WATER, THIS ROAD IS IMPASSABLE.

On a poster at Kencom:
ARE YOU AN ADULT THAT CANNOT READ? IF SO WE CAN HELP.

In a City restaurant:
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AND WEEKENDS.

In a Cemetery:
PERSONS ARE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING FLOWERS, FROM ANY BUT THEIR OWN GRAVES.

Tokyo hotel's rules and regulations:
GUESTS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SMOKE, OR DO OTHER DISGUSTING BEHAVIOURS IN BED.

On the menu of a Swiss Restaurant:
OUR WINES LEAVE YOU NOTHING TO HOPE FOR.

In a Tokyo Bar:
SPECIAL COCKTAILS FOR THE LADIES WITH NUTS.

Hotel, Yugoslavia:
THE FLATTENING OF UNDERWEAR WITH PLEASURE, IS THE JOB OF THE CHAMBERMAID.

Hotel, Japan:
YOU ARE INVITED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CHAMBERMAID.

In the lobby of a Moscow Hotel, across from a Russian Orthodox Monastery:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE CEMETERY, WHERE FAMOUS RUSSIAN AND SOVIET COMPOSERS, ARTISTS AND WRITERS ARE BURIED DAILY, EXCEPT THURSDAY.

A sign posted in Germany's Black Forest:
IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN ON OUR BLACK FOREST CAMPING SITE, THAT PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT SEX, FOR INSTANCE, MEN AND WOMEN,
LIVE TOGETHER IN ONE TENT, UNLESS THEY ARE MARRIED WITH EACH OTHER FOR THIS PURPOSE.

Hotel, Zurich:
BECAUSE OF THE IMPROPRIETY OF ENTERTAINING GUESTS OF THE OPPOSITE SEX IN THE BEDROOM, IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE LOBBY BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE.

Advertisement for donkey rides, Thailand:
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RIDE ON YOUR OWN ASS?

Airline ticket office, Copenhagen:
WE TAKE YOUR BAGS AND SEND THEM IN ALL DIRECTIONS.

A Laundry in Rome:
LADIES, LEAVE YOUR CLOTHES HERE AND THEN SPEND THE AFTERNOON HAVING A GOOD TIME.

And finally the all time classic:
Seen in an Abu Dhabi Souk shop window:
IF THE FRONT IS CLOSED, PLEASE ENTER THROUGH MY BACKSIDE…

[odd]

On banner across the soi adjacent to Marina Inn Plaza Hotel----Very clean rooms only 500 bath per night

[Gaybutton]

I know it's not about Thailand, but I'm reminded of my favorite men's room door graffiti - best I ever encountered - and in my opinion it could just as easily be applied to the current occupant of the White House. I was in Philadelphia when I saw this:

If you voted for Nixon, don't shit here. Your asshole's in Washington.

[a447]

'Please up and down the bus stops only'.

And the same sign in Chinese is telling them to get off and on the song teaw only at the train station!