Firstly, welcome to my new style blog. I will give you useful, applicable information on professional content in English for websites and other communications media and on the value of taking a customized course in spoken and written business English.
My aim is to support your global ambitions and ensure you make the best first impression both online and offline.
Let’s start lightheartedly.
Who can say for sure he has always used the right translation for all the Dutch proverbs below? Believe me, you’d be surprised how often these and other inaccurate translations are used at inappropriate moments. It’s enough to give you curled toes (kromme tenen).
| Dutch | Incorrect English | Correct English |
|---|---|---|
| Je loopt te hard van stapel | You are walking too hard from staple | You’re getting ahead of yourself |
| Laten we een datum prikken | Let’s prick a date | Let’s set a date |
| Ik zie het door de vingers | I see it through the fingers | I’ll look the other way |
| Je krijgt de wind van voren | You get the wind from the front | You’ll get a telling off |
| Onder de pannen | Under the tiles | Taken care of |
| Water naar de zee dragen | Taking water to the sea | Throwing good money after bad |
| Nu komt de aap uit de mouw | The monkey is out of the sleeve | Now the cat’s out of the bag |
I hope these brought a smile to your face.
Of course, these are harmless examples of what happens when we translate too literally. But just imagine this was your website, the window to your company. How would you feel if you were told that the site you had translated, either by means of a translation machine, or had translated yourself, turned out to contain as many misconceptions as those mentioned above?
If you want any or all of your media translated or edited by a native speaker and business graduate then you have come to the right place.
Let me know what your specific needs are in the comments below or if you prefer you may email me.
Have you ever been at a meeting that was being held in English and not been quite sure what was being said? Consider taking customized training to improve your skills. I would love to hear from you.
As of now, the blog posts will be written tailormade to answer any questions you have on the added value of written and spoken business English. If you have a specific topic you would like discussed or if you have anything you would like to add then please do so in the comments below.
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