Found in translation

I took Spanish in junior high, high school and college, pero, mi español es muy mal. I try to speak with some of the employees at my building, in hopes of improving my language skills, however, I typically only manage a few short sentences.

 

Me: “Hola. Como estas?”

Her: “Muy bien. Y tu?”

Me: “Bien, bien. Gracias.”

Her: “Cómo está su hija?”

Me: “Bien.” Cómo se dice, ‘She is doing well. This is her last year in college and then she’ll be a teacher.’?”

 

At this point my coworker usually breaks into English and our conversation turns into a Gibraltar newspaper article (where Spanglish is very common), or she teaches me one word out of the twenty, “Ah, maestro.” “Sí, maestro,” I reply. The conversation usually ends with a “Hasta luego,” her walking away giggling, and me saying to myself, “Ah, chingao. I’ve got to practice my Spanish more often.”

 

The fact that I struggle with learning, retaining and effectively speaking a second language gives me a huge level of respect for people who are bilingual. Especially those who learn a second (or third or fourth) language later in life. What I’ve found in many of those cases is that lost in translation are the adjectives or verbs we often use to talk around that which we are really thinking. What is found in translation, is honest, sincere communication sans malicious intent. I see this most often when texting with Maverik Midget King, His first language is French and he just recently learned English.

 

He sent me a picture of a body builder and I asked if he wanted to look like him. “I want lost my fat belly,” he replied. “I’m still trying to lose my baby fat from 41 years ago,” I told him. “For girls I love. I hate skinny. Your a perfect body!! I love!” was his response. “You are lovely to me – thank you,” I replied. “I love chobby,” was his next text to me. “Agreed. I’ll eat more cookies,” I text back. Perfect = chubby. If anyone else had said this to me, especially someone who spoke English as their primary language, I would think they were a douche (French word – I’m trying to learn that language too). Since he said it, as someone who is trying to learn a second language, I find the translation to be sweet, honest, and endearing – mon lapin doux, je suis heureux de vous trouver.

 

 

 

2,113 thoughts on “Found in translation”

  1. You may be able to borrow more and enjoy lower monthly repayments by taking out a loan secured on your property. Review current offers today.

  2. Are you considering a loan against your home to manage your financial obligations? Explore your choices and check what options may be available to you.

  3. Thank you, I have just been looking for info approximately
    this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I have found out so far.
    However, what concerning the bottom line? Are you certain about the source?

  4. Hi! I simply would like to give you a huge thumbs up for the great information you have got here on this post. I am coming back to your web site for more soon.

  5. Incredible! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a completely different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors!

  6. Discover how a homeowner loan can help you access the money you need without selling your home. Review lenders and tailor a plan that fits your needs.

  7. Can I simply say what a comfort to find an individual who genuinely knows what they’re discussing over the internet. You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people ought to check this out and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you’re not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

  8. Home equity release may provide the financial support you’ve been needing. Learn how to use the equity tied up in your home without having to downsize.

  9. Excellent blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast!

    What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

  10. I have been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog
    posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately
    stumbled upon this website. Studying this info So i am glad to exhibit that I’ve an incredibly just right
    uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most indisputably will make sure
    to do not omit this site and provides it a glance regularly.

  11. I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this
    post was good. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already ;
    ) Cheers!

  12. Equity release solutions may provide the financial freedom you’ve been looking for. Learn how to tap into the equity tied up in your home without having to move.

  13. Home equity release may provide the financial support you’ve been needing. Learn how to tap into the equity tied up in your home without having to move.

  14. Useful info. Fortunate me I discovered your web site unintentionally,
    and I am surprised why this coincidence did not came about earlier!
    I bookmarked it.

  15. Discover how a homeowner loan can help you access the money you need without selling your home. Compare lenders and tailor a plan that fits your needs.

  16. Explore how a homeowner loan can help you access the money you need without selling your home. Compare lenders and customise a plan that fits your needs.

  17. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this,
    like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you
    can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit,
    but other than that, this is fantastic blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back.

  18. hi!,I really like your writing very so much! proportion we keep
    in touch extra about your post on AOL? I require a specialist on this house to solve my problem.
    Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to peer you.

  19. You may be able to borrow more and enjoy lower monthly repayments by taking out a loan secured on your property. Find the best current offers today.

  20. You are so awesome! I don’t think I have read a single thing like that before. So great to discover someone with genuine thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This web site is something that is required on the web, someone with a little originality.

  21. Hi, I do believe this is a great website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may return once again since i have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.

  22. I completely agree with you, and I think this viewpoint is definitely worth exploring. There are several posts on 11bet that cover this topic from multiple angles.

  23. Thinking about a secured loan to consolidate your financial obligations? Explore your choices and check what options may be available to you.

  24. Discover how a homeowner loan can help you obtain the money you need without selling your home. Compare lenders and tailor a plan that fits your needs.

  25. Explore how a homeowner loan can help you access the money you need without selling your home. Review lenders and tailor a plan that fits your needs.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *