The Joys of Engrish
Caires, Steven. Published by Jeremy P Tarcher/Penguin, New York. 2005.
Neat little book, primarily is a vehicle/sampling of his website: www.Engrish.com.
Lovers of language will like this book, and especially the writer's premise. He discovered that sometimes, when the Japanese translate something into English, be it a slogan or an instruction or an advertisement, their slight mis-translations actually give a subtle nuance to the English that, in fact, bends or expands whatever is being said.
Some examples: "By uncanny power, a tight hug is given to you. You may escape independently."
"It seems that the human being who attained something is big. He always keeps having a dream."
"This message is meaningless. We are performing so that what We should perform may be performed. We think that it is rock(n)roll."
"Run at full speed with the aim of the freedom. It is the thing of the necessity to look for freedom for the human being."
What's truly intriguing about these is that, were I fluent in Japanese, I would have an even greater understanding, because I would know what the translators were intending to say, rather than what was being said. I think that would bring to light a complete picture.
Basically, Engish is a revelation of the limitations of translation, and an unexpected freedom. I could write an entire book on the subject, if I wasn't so lazy. So as it is, I'll go get another breakfast burrito and leave you with one last Engrish:
It's what the squirrel says about Delicious Walnut . . . "I am always full of appetite. Then, it is fine."
Yes, it is, Mr. Squirrel. Yes, it is.
VG
Neat little book, primarily is a vehicle/sampling of his website: www.Engrish.com.
Lovers of language will like this book, and especially the writer's premise. He discovered that sometimes, when the Japanese translate something into English, be it a slogan or an instruction or an advertisement, their slight mis-translations actually give a subtle nuance to the English that, in fact, bends or expands whatever is being said.
Some examples: "By uncanny power, a tight hug is given to you. You may escape independently."
"It seems that the human being who attained something is big. He always keeps having a dream."
"This message is meaningless. We are performing so that what We should perform may be performed. We think that it is rock(n)roll."
"Run at full speed with the aim of the freedom. It is the thing of the necessity to look for freedom for the human being."
What's truly intriguing about these is that, were I fluent in Japanese, I would have an even greater understanding, because I would know what the translators were intending to say, rather than what was being said. I think that would bring to light a complete picture.
Basically, Engish is a revelation of the limitations of translation, and an unexpected freedom. I could write an entire book on the subject, if I wasn't so lazy. So as it is, I'll go get another breakfast burrito and leave you with one last Engrish:
It's what the squirrel says about Delicious Walnut . . . "I am always full of appetite. Then, it is fine."
Yes, it is, Mr. Squirrel. Yes, it is.
VG
posted by Verble Gherulous | 5:03 AM
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