I don’t really speak French. My second language, such as it is, is Spanish.
But here in Algeria I have rediscovered my Menu French. I may not be able to find Main Street, but I can navigate my way around a menu. (One basic rule: if I don’t recognize word, I don’t order the dish. Strange words often turn out to be disgusting body parts or slimy marine creatures.)
Algerians mostly speak both French and Arabic. Many also have at least a working knowledge of one or two more languages.The chef at our hotel can prepare a superb breakfast, even for English speakers. Over easy? Scrambled with green peppers? Pas de problem. He speaks, we have decided, excellent Egg English.
In our workshop for members of Parliament and their staffs, we rely on the offices of a superb translating staff. Although we were cautioned not to use jargon or slang, the subject of technology just comes with its own linguistic challenges. (How do you say “YouTube” in French?)
Today, I was afraid I might have stumped even this great group of translators. In the course of discussing blogging, I exclaimed, “Holy Cow!”
Would an international incident ensue? I need not have worried. One of our group who was listening to the French translation reported that the translator handled the phrase with elan.
His translation: “Ooh la la.”
Like so many things, it just sounds better in French.,
I am one of the interpreters who worked during this training session and I must say that your group was very professional and very helpful.I learned a lot from your presentations . Thank you. I wish you a very pleasant stay in our beautiful country and a nice trip back to ILLINOIS, COLORADO, WYOMING, VIRGINIA, UTAH, WASHINGTON,D.C.
What a wonderful comment. I truly meant what I said–the interpreters were superb. We all learned a lot.
The togetherness you brought from the US was just amazing. How people from different states, different parties, different sectors of activity and interests manage to give such a UNITED “family picture”? And I said to myself:What A Wonderful World This Would Be! No, that’s a song. I said to myself that this is the way it should be! Technically, I did not learn much from that workshop. But I did learn a lot on other grounds. All I can say about the American team is BRAVO! I sincerely hope you cought something from what was coming in your headphones. No kidding! Hope to be there next time you come to Algeria for another workshop. Just stay as we’ve seen you. The May Flower, The Founding Fathers, The Puritain Dream and The Go West are still up to date. Wish you the best.
I’m reminded of a story a Mongolian friend of mine told me about her first business trip to China. She didn’t speak Chinese, she had ok “Menu Chinese”, but her associates were mostly fluent. On the menu, she saw what she thought was a noodle dish, but was concerned because she thought one word translated to “worms.” Her colleagues assured her that it was a tasty dish, as did the waiters.
“Genevieve,” she said to me. “My dish came and..oh, oh, my noodles had EYES!” Oh my. A very good strategy, therefore, your “don’t order unless I know exactly what it is,” one is. :)
Nazhef and Lazhar,
I’m delighted to see you here. Thank you so much for your comments. Our team was very special to us, and I’m thrilled that it came through to you.
As for your work on our behalf, you have a BIG “THUMBS UP” from me. Merci beaucoups!
It was truly one of the most instructive workshops I worked in. I’m not “throwing flowers” to your team, although the female members of the American legislative group were gorgeous, smart, elegant and lovely by all standards. This is why, they would have deserved a full garden of beautiful roses and flowers for each of them.And I really mean it.I confirmed many of my positive thoughts for your Nation and I will continue to convey those to my people.
Read you soon and thanks.