Letters: French translations – some good...some hilarious

To the Editor,

The use of online translators can cause real confusion!

I was eating with friends at the local campsite and casually reading their brochure.

I had offered to help with translations but they declined saying they were okay.

How long will it take your experts and readers to work this one out? "Please come to the office the watch over of your departure."

It took me a while. Clue....noun or verb?

Maureen Braithwaite, by email

To the Editor,

I enjoyed Nick Inman’s recent language piece about The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County by Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain) – the more so as I have a facsimile centennial edition of this story, bought in Colorado. 

I do so like his rather mischievous humour and the illustrations are superb.

Your article pinpointed how important it is to be a good writer, when taking on translation work.

Janet Forster, Aude

What are your favourite 'bad translations'? Share them with us at letters@connexionfrance.com