Παρακαλώ τους (άλλους) διαχειριστές, αν πιστεύουν ότι το νήμα ανήκει στην αγγλοελληνική μεταφραστική ενότητα, να το μεταφέρουν. Επίσης, παρακαλώ να προτείνετε τις ελληνικές αποδόσεις που θα αποδίδουν καλύτερα το αμφίσημο των αγγλικών εκφράσεων.
Ο πίνακας, με δική μου προσαρμογή, προέρχεται από άρθρο της εφημερίδας Τέλεγκραφ το οποίο ισχυρίζεται τα κάτωθι:
Translation table explaining the truth behind British politeness becomes internet hit
The British trait of being too polite to speak one's mind has led to a table translating numerous hollow English phrases becoming an internet hit.
By Alice Philipson
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/new...-British-politeness-becomes-internet-hit.html
The table sheds light on just how difficult it can be for a foreigner to understand what the British really mean when they're speaking – especially for those take every word at face value.
Phrases that prove the trickiest to decipher include 'you must come for dinner', which foreigners tend to take as a direct invitation, but is actually said out of politeness by many Britons and often does not result in an invite.
The table also reveals that when a person from Britain begins a sentence "with the greatest respect ...', they actually mean 'I think you are an idiot'.
The table points out that when Britons say 'I'm sure it's my fault', it actually means 'it's your fault'.
It also reveals that 'very interesting' can often mean 'that is clearly nonsense'.
The table, which has been posted on an number of blogs, has attracted thousands of comments from both Britons and foreigners claiming the interpretations are true to life.
Duncan Green, a strategic adviser for Oxfam who posted it online, described it as "a handy guide for our fellow Europeans and others trying to fathom weaselly Brit-speak".
Mr Green said: "Sadly, I didn’t write it. It’s just one of those great things that is being passed around on the internet."
Although the author of the table is unconfirmed, it is thought it may have originally been drawn up by a Dutch company as an attempt to help employees working in the UK.
Ο πίνακας (αλλαγμένος με τα χεράκια μου)
WHAT THE BRITISH SAY (WHAT FOREIGNERS UNDERSTAND) = WHAT THE BRITISH MEAN
I hear what you say (He accepts my point of view) = I disagree and do not want to discuss it further
With the greatest respect (He is listening to me) = You are an idiot
That’s not bad (That’s poor) = That’s good
That is a very brave proposal (He thinks I have courage) = You are insane
Quite good (Quite good) = A bit disappointing
I would suggest (Think about the idea, but do what you like) = Do it or be prepared to justify yourself
Oh, incidentally/ by the way (That is not very important) = The primary purpose of our discussion is
I was a bit disappointed that (It doesn’t really matter) = I am annoyed that
Very interesting (They are impressed) = That is clearly nonsense
I’ll bear it in mind (They will probably do it) = I’ve forgotten it already
I’m sure it’s my fault (Why do they think it was their fault?) = It’s your fault
You must come for dinner (I will get an invitation soon) = It’s not an invitation, I’m just being polite
I almost agree (He’s not far from agreement) = I don’t agree at all
I only have a few minor comments (He has found a few typos) = Please rewrite completely
Could we consider some other options (They have not yet decided) = I don’t like your idea
Θα έπιανα και τους αντίστοιχους γιαπωνέζικους οδηγούς, αλλά ποιος ενδιαφέρεται;
Ο πίνακας, με δική μου προσαρμογή, προέρχεται από άρθρο της εφημερίδας Τέλεγκραφ το οποίο ισχυρίζεται τα κάτωθι:
Translation table explaining the truth behind British politeness becomes internet hit
The British trait of being too polite to speak one's mind has led to a table translating numerous hollow English phrases becoming an internet hit.
By Alice Philipson
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/new...-British-politeness-becomes-internet-hit.html
The table sheds light on just how difficult it can be for a foreigner to understand what the British really mean when they're speaking – especially for those take every word at face value.
Phrases that prove the trickiest to decipher include 'you must come for dinner', which foreigners tend to take as a direct invitation, but is actually said out of politeness by many Britons and often does not result in an invite.
The table also reveals that when a person from Britain begins a sentence "with the greatest respect ...', they actually mean 'I think you are an idiot'.
The table points out that when Britons say 'I'm sure it's my fault', it actually means 'it's your fault'.
It also reveals that 'very interesting' can often mean 'that is clearly nonsense'.
The table, which has been posted on an number of blogs, has attracted thousands of comments from both Britons and foreigners claiming the interpretations are true to life.
Duncan Green, a strategic adviser for Oxfam who posted it online, described it as "a handy guide for our fellow Europeans and others trying to fathom weaselly Brit-speak".
Mr Green said: "Sadly, I didn’t write it. It’s just one of those great things that is being passed around on the internet."
Although the author of the table is unconfirmed, it is thought it may have originally been drawn up by a Dutch company as an attempt to help employees working in the UK.
Ο πίνακας (αλλαγμένος με τα χεράκια μου)
WHAT THE BRITISH SAY (WHAT FOREIGNERS UNDERSTAND) = WHAT THE BRITISH MEAN
I hear what you say (He accepts my point of view) = I disagree and do not want to discuss it further
With the greatest respect (He is listening to me) = You are an idiot
That’s not bad (That’s poor) = That’s good
That is a very brave proposal (He thinks I have courage) = You are insane
Quite good (Quite good) = A bit disappointing
I would suggest (Think about the idea, but do what you like) = Do it or be prepared to justify yourself
Oh, incidentally/ by the way (That is not very important) = The primary purpose of our discussion is
I was a bit disappointed that (It doesn’t really matter) = I am annoyed that
Very interesting (They are impressed) = That is clearly nonsense
I’ll bear it in mind (They will probably do it) = I’ve forgotten it already
I’m sure it’s my fault (Why do they think it was their fault?) = It’s your fault
You must come for dinner (I will get an invitation soon) = It’s not an invitation, I’m just being polite
I almost agree (He’s not far from agreement) = I don’t agree at all
I only have a few minor comments (He has found a few typos) = Please rewrite completely
Could we consider some other options (They have not yet decided) = I don’t like your idea
Θα έπιανα και τους αντίστοιχους γιαπωνέζικους οδηγούς, αλλά ποιος ενδιαφέρεται;
