Languages

[Lost]

A little warm-up activity we had was "how many different languages can you say 'hello' in'?" Not something I've counted before.

I managed 11. An average of the class. Average is usually where I'm at so... comfort zone for me.

How many different language hellos do you know? No googling!

[pharvey]

A little warm-up activity we had was "how many different languages can you say 'hello' in'?" Not something I've counted before.

I managed 11. An average of the class. Average is usually where I'm at so... comfort zone for me.

How many different language hellos do you know? No googling!

Pretty sure "Hi" would cover a fair few!! But have you learnt to say it in Welsh yet? Do the 50 States of the US count?

I can pretty much cover much of Europe, then could add places I've worked and lived in Asia and Africa. The one thing I was told when I first started travelling (at a very early age) was that I should learn how to say "Hello", "Please" and "Thank You" - later in life, other phrases and words were required, but I still haven't forgotten the first lesson!

[Lost]

A little warm-up activity we had was "how many different languages can you say 'hello' in'?" Not something I've counted before.

I managed 11. An average of the class. Average is usually where I'm at so... comfort zone for me.

How many different language hellos do you know? No googling!

I can pretty much cover much of Europe, then could add places I've worked and lived in Asia and Africa.

Just give us a ballpark figure, Pete. The 'how many' was a clue in the question

Put us (me) all to shame.

[Lost]

On a side note, we're in foo so I don't think off-topic matters so much (?) .

You've probably lived/worked in more places than most on this forum, Pharvey. Do you have a favourite country you've stayed in?

China?

[pharvey]

Just give us a ballpark figure, Pete. The 'how many' was a clue in the question

Put us (me) all to shame.
[/quote]

Certainly not a case of putting anyone or anything to shame aside from my own memory!! Seriously, if you think about it, you'll remember greetings from travel, holidays and hell, entertainment.

I asked the LHG and all she said was, go through the alphabet remembering what countries/places you've travelled to and see if you can remember greetings. I did and it was strange in a way - sometimes it wasn't "Hi" or "Hello" as such, but rather "Good Morning/Good Day" etc. (I am very polite after all ). The "Good Day" one came up a few times and very similar in a few countries/regions/languages - Czech and Bulgarian for example. Of course there are countless dialects (not accents) in the likes of China, India and Russia etc. Most will take Chinese as Chinese, but kids in schools are taught Mandarin (the "Higher Language") - HK and close regions (Canton strangely..) speak Cantonese - other (HUGE) Areas such as Chongqing have a completely different dialect.

I genuinely only know one in Chinese - and that's across the board, Africa I know several as I do in Europe and Asia... +/- 40 overall I believe (though some truly are repeated). The BIG Question mate, is have you learnt how to say it in Welsh yet?! Just greet your next lesson/session with "Shwmae"!!Although, again that's not exactly Hi or Hello - it is a normal greeting.. I guess best in English would be "How's Things"?

On a side note, we're in foo so I don't think off-topic matters so much (?) .

You've probably lived/worked in more places than most on this forum, Pharvey. Do you have a favourite country you've stayed in?

China?

I know you're asking favourites, and this is going to be long, but: -

Oh, pretty sure there's many who have "Travelled the World" on this Forum - I've certainly been very fortunate in life to have done it. Both with family life (my father was an engineer and worked in Africa - where I was brought early doors), then I followed in his footsteps and travelled extensively.... The problem is, on many occasions all I saw was the airport, the hotel/digs/camp and the Work Site for long periods - nothing really to see, and when I did, no one to really share it with. Certain people were jealous of the fact that I was being fairly well paid to travel in their opinion (they seemed to ignore the 80-90hr weeks and being in a sh*thole - not to mention "Dry Sites").... Sorry, I digress!

No, China was not my favourite and have no intention of returning - my dear MIL has left us and many others have a certain hatred for me (Dire Westerner stealing daughter/sister/niece and turning her against China etc). I/we have friends and other family there, but I've had far too many bad experiences both in work and private life there. The LHG does of course return when she can and we have visitors here

India - I'll go back to, but only for work if necessary. In all fairness, I only saw the bad side (if there is a good one) - we worked on Chemical Plants and you can only guess what the conditions/safety was there let alone food (you wouldn't enjoy that Indian food )

Russia - Never again, unless forced to through work, then I might just refuse the work.

Have both hated and loved certain Sites - loved a Work Site out of the way in Spain, but visited the bars and beaches a few hours away from the Mine for a weekend break only to return straight away - "Brits on Tour" there a complete and utter embarrassment, all we wanted was some decent food, a few beers and some "life". Instead we got pi$$ed up Brits/Germans/Russians embarrassing us and annoying the locals.

The US, different places and different experiences. Those who don't travel (you'd be amazed at not only lack of passports, but those who simply don't travel) are utterly blinkered in the vast majority of places I've been. In the US however, we were never in a "Site Camp" but more likely put up in a Villa/House to myself or ourselves with a pool and all the amenities. I took time off after visits to the US, simply taking advantage of the company paid airfare, but more often than not, the American guys either gave me the accommodation and car for a few extra days or even took me to their homes/holiday homes - we all have cretins, but I've enjoyed visits to the US on several occasions! I will say however, that there are certain places that should I return, I would be welcomed with open arms.. until they realised I was with the LHG.

Loved Turkey - but away from the "Tourist Areas". Great food, great people. It's not wholly strict Muslim (alcohol etc), but if you respect their values and be polite, it truly is a wonder. Incredible sights and history (think Roman Empire and others), incredible coastline and islands that we got to see with time off (even got to see that "half and half").

Japan - loved it! Food, people, anything and all. Truly hope (NO, WILL) return one day with the LHG. Understand the working practices (i.e. respect your elders/superiors) and Site Work was good - respect actually went both ways but had to be earned. A little sad in some respect that as time moves on, manners and respect are being lost (not just in Japan). Take a detailed look into "Buksida's" Travel Report if you haven't already.

OH SHIT!! How long was that waffle? I can talk of Africa, Aus and many others including Thailand of course... But to be honest, I love Japan - but would always return home to Wales (despite the Labour pricks). It's my home for good or bad and will hopefully remain the "Area of Natural Beauty" that it is - despite efforts of those in Westminster.... Sorry, another thread (DAMN that Soapbox!!).

Hell, Rugby's on!!

[Bamboo Grove]

Good post, pharvey. Something from your own experience and nothing can beat that. I know so many people, who say: "I have heard." and base their opinions on that. I really enjoy, when somebody shares their real life experiences.

[STEVE G]

Having the usual limited language skills of the average Englishman, it's pretty amazing how good Google translate has got now.
I've been having some business with a French real estate company recently and at first, when they found out I couldn't speak French, they didn't really want to get involved.
I managed to convince them to communicate in French by email and by using the translation app on my phone, we've had absolutely no problems at all.
When I met one of their staff last week he asked me what I was using because he was impressed by my written French.

[pharvey]

Having the usual limited language skills of the average Englishman, it's pretty amazing how good Google translate has got now.
I've been having some business with a French real estate company recently and at first, when they found out I couldn't speak French, they didn't really want to get involved.
I managed to convince them to communicate in French by email and by using the translation app on my phone, we've had absolutely no problems at all.
When I met one of their staff last week he asked me what I was using because he was impressed by my written French.

Google translate is a wonderful tool, however far from accurate when greeting someone in another language. As to doing business in Real Estate (or otherwise) in a foreign language through Google, then the very best of luck to you.... Please take care of your finances!

[Dannie Boy]

I’m sure that some language translations are better than others - we know that Thai to English can often provide amusing/bemusing results, but other languages (like French) are much more accurate.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pharvey]

I’m sure that some language translations are better than others - we know that Thai to English can often provide amusing/bemusing results, but other languages (like French) are much more accurate.

Indeed, I was just questioning relying on Google for slightly more serious issues than saying "Hi" - be it French or not. My French isn't cr@p (very poor, yes), but I know the likes of DM and others on the Forum know the language (French) to an extent that we others don't and "Google" can't entertain - written words may be there, but pronunciation - understanding and the truly correct wording is not, in ANY language.

You, I and many others can use Google, AI and God knows what else these days for translation, but I guarantee you that native speakers (myself in Welsh and the LHG in Mandarin/Chongqing) for example, let alone partners of Forum members will always know when things are not quite correct. The frightening thing perhaps is that you (and others) feel a reliance on "Google" when it comes to legal or financial issues.

Apologies "lost", perhaps we've moved a tad away from the questions initially raised, but hell - it's getting to a discussion (where are you)?

[STEVE G]

Having the usual limited language skills of the average Englishman, it's pretty amazing how good Google translate has got now.
I've been having some business with a French real estate company recently and at first, when they found out I couldn't speak French, they didn't really want to get involved.
I managed to convince them to communicate in French by email and by using the translation app on my phone, we've had absolutely no problems at all.
When I met one of their staff last week he asked me what I was using because he was impressed by my written French.

Google translate is a wonderful tool, however far from accurate when greeting someone in another language. As to doing business in Real Estate (or otherwise) in a foreign language through Google, then the very best of luck to you.... Please take care of your finances!

Yes, I've just been using it to organise appointments and for that it has worked out very well.

[Dannie Boy]

I think the point that Steve was making and with which I agree, is that Google Translate is much better these days than it was just a few years ago - I’ve no doubt it’s still far from perfect, but at least provides for what most of us need most of the time - a reasonable translation of a foreign language into our native language.

[pharvey]

Yes, I've just been using it to organise appointments and for that it has worked out very well.

I've misunderstood perhaps, but not was implied from original comments - apologies if I'm wrong.

I think the point that Steve was making and with which I agree, is that Google Translate is much better these days than it was just a few years ago - I’ve no doubt it’s still far from perfect, but at least provides for what most of us need most of the time - a reasonable translation of a foreign language into our native language.

I guess I've obviously taken it the wrong way. Steve said he was using it for something other than basic translation IMHO. I mentioned that "Google" was a great tool for many things including basic conversation - relying on it however for anything in the "Financial/Legal/Property" field would be somewhat naive would it not?

Anyway guys, let's not get stuck in a "Google" or AI argument... Regardless of how useful they may be. This only my opinion for sure

[dtaai-maai]

Indeed, I was just questioning relying on Google for slightly more serious issues than saying "Hi" - be it French or not. My French isn't cr@p (very poor, yes), but I know the likes of DM and others on the Forum know the language (French) to an extent that we others don't and "Google" can't entertain - written words may be there, but pronunciation - understanding and the truly correct wording is not, in ANY language.

You're right to question that reliance, pharvey. BarryS is probably the best qualified to comment, but I'll give you my twopenn'orth. I don't do much professional translation these days but translation software has come on in leaps and bounds over the last few years. I'd recommend a program called DeepL. That said, such programs are a useful tool if you know what you are doing. I had some Swedish and Norwegian friends and neighbours in Hua Hin who were not permanent residents. We kept in touch when they were at home, and I used DeepL to email them. My advice would be to keep your sentences short and sweet and to avoid the use of analogies, allegories, metaphors, etc.

French was my main language. My knowledge of German and Dutch is basic, but I would feel confident translating rleatively straightforward documents into English using the software. I have to say I am often surprised to see how much companies are prepared to pay for a translation that could be done quite adequately by a native speaker emplyee with some brains and application.

[pharvey]

^ My whole point is that I don't believe AI or Language Software can truly speak the language. As mentioned above, I can check beforehand to say "hello" etc... BUT, it might not be the normal or friendly greeting - great to know, but when you actually engage with the locals, it won't be the same language used. Come on DM - you know the French adore extracting the urine when Brits (especially "les englaisses" ) attempt the language.
If we only rely on the written rather than spoken word, things may faulter somewhat. Going back to the whole "Hi" or "Hello" bit, what does Google say vs "True Life"? I can put in words or phrases in English into "Google Translate" to Welsh - Trust me it's understood, but....