[OSList] The five principles in Welsh?

[Lisa Heft]

Hi, Jon, Kirsty and others -

My experience with the online translation software - for example in  
Spanish - is that I have to go in there (if I am using something like  
Google Translate) to select / correct / substitute words that may in  
fact be choices for literal translations of words but are not correct  
or fluid for communication.

For example I had a hilarious translation that translated something I  
was saying about the fact that I was going to fly into an airport (in  
an airplane) with the word 'fly' (the insect).

I have also have the experience of - even with someone who is fluent  
in a language - if they do not have the depth and breadth of an  
expansive vocabulary, they do not have the words to capture the nuance  
and meaning of everything they are translating. They translate  
something literally. Which does not translate something culturally or  
regionally.

So when I have looked for translations - I have sought out someone who  
is very expressive and nuanced in their own home language - and we sit  
together and talk about what these principles and law phrases really  
truly mean, in the context of Open Space. And in the course of the  
conversation not only are they asking and offering things that we can  
explore and clarify together for the best choice of words - but they  
also become a passionate ambassador for the Open Space event itself.  
And together we learn so much about culture, context and communication.

I always say this - and in fact I have had this experience: If you  
cannot find a professional translator or a person with an extensive  
vocabulary in their home language (and ability to understand yours for  
that conversation) - find.... a poet. Because their job is to swim  
around in language and select words - not always the obvious words -  
for rich and complex meaning-making.

Friends - what are your other experiences, especially if different  
than mine?

Lisa


On Jul 9, 2012, at 5:35 AM, Jon Harvey wrote:

> Hi Kisty
>
> Google translate says:
>
> Pwy bynnag ddaw yn y bobl iawn
> Beth bynnag fydd yn digwydd yw'r unig beth a allai gael
> Lle bynnag y mae'n digwydd yn y lle iawn
> Pryd bynnag y bydd yn dechrau yn yr adeg iawn
> Pan mae'n dros mae'n dros
>
> Mae cyfraith dwy droedfedd / gyfraith symudedd
> Byddwch yn barod i gael ei synnu
>
> Given that Welsh is a pretty formulaic language (unlike English) –  
> there is a good chance this translation is reasonable.
>
> Hope this helps
>
> atb
>
> Jon
>
> From: oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org [mailto:oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org 
> ] On Behalf Of Kirsty Lothian
> Sent: 05 July 2012 16:38
> To: oslist at lists.openspacetech.org
> Subject: [OSList] The five principles in Welsh?
>
> Hello OS List,
>
> I think this is actually my first post, although I have been reading  
> for few years now! I am working with Improbable and Phelim McDermott  
> on the Devoted and Disgruntled open space Roadshow which we are on  
> this summer. On Saturday we will be doing our very first OS  
> bilingual in Welsh and English. So... Does anyone know the  
> principles and laws in Welsh?
>
> We are after the full complement:
>
> Whoever comes are the right people
> Whatever happens is the only thing that could have
> Wherever it happens is the right place
> Whenever it starts is the right time
> When it's over it's over
>
> The law of two feet/ law of mobility
> Be prepared to be surprised
>
> Many thanks for any help you can offer,
> Thanks,
>
> Kirsty

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