MizSuz
Posts: 1881
Joined: 1/1/2004
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ProtagonistLily
Ok, so maybe translators aren't all they are cracked up to be.....
My apologies I stand reprimanded by my own hand. I can feel the smoke from the flame war I've probably started already.
I can soooo totally relate. Translators can be problematic.
This isn't a flame, it's a perspective (told as a bit of a story).
I grew up around a first generation Italian-American who spoke his family's version of Italian around the house (although sparingly). Then I lived in southern Italy for a few years and was fortunate enough to get to travel the country a little. Italian language changes from one area to the next, just like any other country. I learned enough to get by, dicker with the street vendors, live in an all Italian apartment building and eventually be the occasional conduit to communication between a predominantly english speaking building complex and an Italian porter (I was about 10 years old). But I never learned to read and write in Italian. I could go to Italy with a good map and an idea of where I want to go and could probably be able to find the bathrooms, the hotels, the spots I want to visit, etc. But I'd stumble through it knowing I was mangling Italian and feeling very humble that people don't take offense. I'd be acutely aware that I was a guest.
Whether we always agree with nella, whether we care to participate in all of her offerings here at the boards for whatever reason; the truth is that she is trying to communicate in a foreign language that she admittedly is not fluent in (kinda like me going to Italy) and she's doing it with a disability. I call that balls. It's ok with me if others don't.
I think it's also smart. Exposure alone will improve her skills. I don't spend much time posting to Italian boards and when I do I don't get responses, so she's way ahead of my curve in that regard. And if she chooses to ask for assistance with her learning process then many of us can offer her assistance to some degree or another. I've seen one other person offer (but admittedly haven't read the entire thread). I'd pitch in with the occasional advice, if nella wants it. But I won't give it unless she asks for it.
Truth is, it wouldn't hurt my feelings to see foreign language boards here at collarme. Much of the rest of the world puts ads on this site and reads these boards. I've been saying I'd like to learn spanish for some time. I'd be THRILLED if some folks on a spanish speaking board were tolerant of my ignorance and I would hope to learn from the experience. I've always wanted to learn French, as well.
Nobody has to participate just because the girl is attempting to champion another language if you don't like her content. Even if you think her opinion is total shit, you can't deny that she's fighting an uphill battle that can only enrich her. <shrug> I think that gets props. It also gets points for reminding me of personal goals I'd like to attain and haven't taken the initiative.
You'll note, I haven't participated in all of her threads. Those I have no interest in I pass up. Easy peas-y.
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“The more you love, the more you can love—and the more intensely you love. Nor is there any limit on how many you can love. If a person had time enough, he could love all of that majority who are decent and just.”
- Robert Heinlein
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ESOL and BDSM- For Nella - 
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