Re: [wg-review] Education & Outreach and Languages

[Phil King <yofelipe@excite.com>]

Eric,
This is not a new phenomenon.  I grew up in Mexico in the 50's.  The closest
translation for such 'new' items as 'radio', 'tv', 'RADAR' and such was to
add a Spanish ending or simply pronounce the word or acronym as if it were a
Spanish word.  The only other way to translate was not a translation, rather
a descriptive phrase, usually cumbersome at the least.  For much of the
computer and software related terminology and internet specifics, France is
requiring French words be used, inventing new ones where necessary, for
internet items.  I am very aware of, and sensitive to, our "Ugly American"
face to the rest of the world.  I grew up with it in my face regularly, it's
a true assesment of us traveling as well as our business policy, too often. 
However, as much of the tech terminology for hardware is Greek or Latin
root, many countries may have to go the French route and translate the term
into the native term from the Greek or Latin root.  I'm not sure just how
much of this is our responsability.  In the software part, it would behoove
us to make that more amenable to translation.  I'm not a programmer, so I
don't know what this may involve, or even if it is feasible.  I hope some of
the experts in the fields referred to will respond.

Phil King in Butte MT

----------

On Thu, 01 Mar 2001 06:42:45 -0800, Eric Dierker wrote:

>  I am coming up with a conclusion which is quite troublesome.  It goes
>  against my grain and does not sit well so I ask for comments before I
>  take the logic any further.
>  
>  It appears that as far as outreach goes multi-lingualism is a must.
>  With that said it also appears that for the purposes of clarification
>  and technical communication and understanding we must speak english.
>  
>  I walked into a server room in a developing southeast asian country and
>  noticed that all the techies were native.  They were installing the
>  equipment for a software development center.  They were all speaking
>  english.  When I asked why they simply replied we don't even have the
>  words for this in our language.  In writing policy for that country we
>  have included ESL as a technical certificate requirement.
>  
>  I hate the idea of the ugly American.  The language of a region is the
>  best key to understanding, and enjoying it's culture.  In translation
>  way to much is lost. I am afraid that the internet is historically a
>  result of american culture and therefor translating it loses to much of
>  it's essence.
>  
>  Any aid in developing this logic or illogic will be appreciated.
>  
>  Sincerely,
>  
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Yo, Felipe (I, Phillip)
Phil King
Butte America
(The Richest Hill On Earth)





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