Japanese and English differences

Subject: Japanese and English differences
From: "Klopfenstein, Ed (AFS)" <EdK -at- ACCU-FAB -dot- COM>
Date: Thu, 14 Aug 1997 10:57:22 -0700

I was wrong!
Japanese is more vague than English (NOTE: tongue is in cheek)!
The following example is an English translation of a Japanese "Caution"
sheet from a very large Japanese electronics maker (let's say, top 5?).
Not to be mean, but it's funny (and possibly a case for automated
translation).

Here's some excerpts from the original translation (I didn't change a
thing):

1. Do not see the lighting illuminator, because it may cause a damage
of eye or eyesight.

2. Do not do the following things to avoid to inflict the crack on the
code, because the crack of code will cause a fire, an electric shock and
damege.
*bundle of codes
*put a heavy goods on the code
*bend the code
*processe the code

3 As the light guide plugs and lamp in illuminator may be heated to high
temperature on lighting or immediately after turning off the switch,
please go ahead the changr a lamp after you wait a little.

4. Be careful not to obturate the exhaust port or air inlet of cooling
fan in illuminator on light.

5. Be careful not to put any high combustibles of gasoline and so on
near the illuminator on light, for emergency fire.

6. Do not put into a metal, a combustible, and a liquid (water &
medicines) from opening parts (ex: intake and outlet) of this equipment,
because it will cause fire.

7. Do not resolve this equipment by yourself, because it will cause a
trouble.

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST....

In case of change of a lame and after-using, please pull out the primary
cord and turn off the switch. And, in case of pulling out the primary
cord, do not pull by force and handle by wet hand. When you do not use
for a long time, move and make cleaning, please be careful for the
aboves.


BOY, I calculated a savings of at least $10 by using that translator!


Ed Klopfenstein

Technical Writer
Accu-Fab Systems, Inc.
Corvallis, OR 97330
http:\\www.accu-fab.com

TECHWR-L (Technical Communication) List Information: To send a message
to 2500+ readers, e-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot- Send commands
to LISTSERV -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU (e.g. HELP or SIGNOFF TECHWR-L).
Search the archives at http://www.documentation.com/ or search and
browse the archives at http://listserv.okstate.edu/archives/techwr-l.html


Previous by Author: Re: Japanese and English
Next by Author: Re: being anal
Previous by Thread: Re: Irony in responses to Fabien Vais' question!
Next by Thread: If it looks wrong..


What this post helpful? Share it with friends and colleagues:


Sponsored Ads