A couple of weeks ago, two things happened at work that I thought about a lot, but didn't get a chance to talk over with anyone else to see if they found a similar significance in the events or if I was just blowing them out of proportion. Tonight, however, while reading fned's blog, I felt a definite sense of déjà vu and simply had to blog about the parallels in her experiences and my own.
Fned states:
"I recall a few months ago reading a monthly report sent by a British manager to his French boss. The mail was detailed but not overwhelming in description, contained praise and recrimination where called for; mentioned areas for improvement and pinpointed subjects that needed to be addressed before they became problems. I remember thinking « Wow! What a great report! It provides all the necessary information and yet remains simple and clear for someone who’s not on hand locally ».
In my case, it happened like this:
One of my students needed to write up a presentation his boss would make at an international board of directors in English. So we used the class to do it and we came up with what I thought were three very powerful slides. They were "detailed but not overwhelming in description, mentioned areas for improvement and pinpointed subjects that needed to be addressed before they became problems."
That was on a Friday.
Fned continues:
The French boss later forwarded that same report to his own Boss after having deleted 75% of the text, keeping only the strictly essential of the message (past events, new developments, next steps) all in a series of concise and brief bullet points.
In my case:
The next Monday, my student greeted me by showing me the final version of his presentation, which his boss had gone over and "forwarded to his own Boss after having deleted 75% of the text, keeping only the strictly essential of the message (past events, new developments, next steps) all in a series of concise and brief bullet points" in a single slide.
PRETTY CLOSE!
Fned contends that she can't help "feeling that somewhere in that example was a very subtle indication of the differences in how corporate information is conveyed from one country to the other."
In my case (a situation of Americans, Mexicans and Germans working together), I thought, hmmm, it must be an international phenomenon... the higher up you go, the more concise the information must be...
But no matter how you see it, it does seem that the highest level of an international corporation will never really be abreast of the realities they are facing. By the time they get the information, it is so edited that they never really see what the people who are actually working on those projects are facing. Makes me wonder!
The other event was what fned described as "how the first person is used (or not used) in communicating." She gives the example of English speakers using the first person "I" or "we", thus implicating the person in the message. She says that the French use "on" which could be interpreted as "we" but not necessarily including the person actually communicating the message!
I would like to add that Spanish speakers have an even more ambiguous way of getting around pointing the finger. In Spanish you can use "se" to say that something "was done", without shedding light on who actually did it. This of course is the passive voice and is used in English too, but sparingly! Key information needs to be more precise. You might say: IT WAS DECIDED that... but only if you begin with something like: WE had a meeting, during the course of which it was decided that...
In Spanish you can start by saying: A meeting was had, and it was decided that... and we are left with a question in our minds as to WHO HAD THE MEETING????
As a translator, I have battled with this issue time and again. Sometimes I have to call a client to ask for clarification on the who, what and where of things because of what I perceive as rampant (ab)use of "se".
In conclusion, I have to agree with fned that it gets really tricky when you want to translate meaning from one language to another!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Pictures by request
The trip was lovely so here are some pictures!
First Jeanne picked me up at the airport and we went to Lulu's Jailhouse Cafe. She'd heard they have the best homemade southern cooking, and they sure did!
Note those huge chicken fried steaks, the mashed potatoes and fried okra - not to mention the homemade rolls!!! WHOA!
After stuffing ourselves and still having to ask for doggie bags - how could we ever have finished all that food? - I told Jeanne I was going to need a nap so we found a place along the highway where a river runs through, spread out a blanket and got some shut-eye under a shady tree...
It was very nice, but in the end, we had to check out that water and it was cold!! DELICIOUSLY COLD and crystal clear. The picture doesn't do it justice, but I couldn't take any pictures when I was actually in the water. This was right before we decided to change into shorts and jump in!
After the swim, we continued the way until we arrived at the rendezvous point with my sibs and went to see Drew play in his band! They were really rockin'!
And we rocked with them in our own fashion!!
Finally we got to the home of our wonderful padres and naturally, one of the first things we had to do was sit down and play some Mah-Jhong! (spell it anyway you like... this is the way I spell it!)
The next morning we were up early and decided to get in some exercise before going to our cousins' house for lunch.
It was a good thing we did take that trek... Lunch was out of this world!!
And we even got in a good cousins picture!!!
The next day was the big birthday bash! It started with some earings...
From there it went on to all sorts of gifts until the birthday girl was just surrounded by gifts!
But then it was time to get ready for the surprise lunch, and was it ever FABULOUS!We had arranged a lunch at the hotel where Mimi first worked 60 years ago. The hotel was so impressive. Mimi says it's changed a bit over the last 60 years! Here you can see the entrance to the dining room (I had the buffet and it was all so mouthwateringly delicious...)
Guess there are no pictures of our meal, because we were too busy eating it! However, we did get this gem of the birthday girl blowing out her 80th candle on a couple of yummy eclaires!
First Jeanne picked me up at the airport and we went to Lulu's Jailhouse Cafe. She'd heard they have the best homemade southern cooking, and they sure did!
Note those huge chicken fried steaks, the mashed potatoes and fried okra - not to mention the homemade rolls!!! WHOA!
After stuffing ourselves and still having to ask for doggie bags - how could we ever have finished all that food? - I told Jeanne I was going to need a nap so we found a place along the highway where a river runs through, spread out a blanket and got some shut-eye under a shady tree...
It was very nice, but in the end, we had to check out that water and it was cold!! DELICIOUSLY COLD and crystal clear. The picture doesn't do it justice, but I couldn't take any pictures when I was actually in the water. This was right before we decided to change into shorts and jump in!
After the swim, we continued the way until we arrived at the rendezvous point with my sibs and went to see Drew play in his band! They were really rockin'!
And we rocked with them in our own fashion!!
Finally we got to the home of our wonderful padres and naturally, one of the first things we had to do was sit down and play some Mah-Jhong! (spell it anyway you like... this is the way I spell it!)
The next morning we were up early and decided to get in some exercise before going to our cousins' house for lunch.
It was a good thing we did take that trek... Lunch was out of this world!!
And we even got in a good cousins picture!!!
The next day was the big birthday bash! It started with some earings...
From there it went on to all sorts of gifts until the birthday girl was just surrounded by gifts!
But then it was time to get ready for the surprise lunch, and was it ever FABULOUS!We had arranged a lunch at the hotel where Mimi first worked 60 years ago. The hotel was so impressive. Mimi says it's changed a bit over the last 60 years! Here you can see the entrance to the dining room (I had the buffet and it was all so mouthwateringly delicious...)
Guess there are no pictures of our meal, because we were too busy eating it! However, we did get this gem of the birthday girl blowing out her 80th candle on a couple of yummy eclaires!
Monday, October 13, 2008
For my Mother on her Birthday
Time moves. Whether you understand that to mean that time itself moves, or that time moves us, the fact of the matter is that from one moment to another, things change. I like to think that Life is a circle. You can look at Life however you want, but I see it as being circular. So that as time moves, it takes us around and back to ourselves. (the wheel of time?) We may go around more than once. The circle may become concentric or expanding, but we are always going round and round.
So, let's look at the number 80. That's a pretty circular set of digits. There's the zero, the big one, and there's an eight, which is made up of two circles. Is there any divine meaning in the number 80 with reference to Life then? Perhaps not. Maybe the meaning is more symbolic, the number for today. Because today, this very day - the meaning is clear: Happy 80th MOM! This one's for you.
The circles in the number of your years make a lot of sense when I think of you Mom. The two circles in the 8 symbolize your movement as wife and mother. You can draw it as two separate circles, or you can draw it in zigzag fashion, like two "s"s back to back. In your case, I'd say definitely zigzag, because you've always managed to keep us all intertwined. Back and forth, to and fro, we all move around and with each other. As we've grown with time, the zigzagging lengthens out and slows down, but it always unites and seamlessly comes together, and that's how I see you Mom; a woman who has always united the parts of her life into a perfect unit of completeness.
But wait - do you think I'm assuming that a woman only exists as wife and mother? No, no! Don't forget the big 0. The circle of Life! That one goes around and around, as we travel around inside it. In my Mother's case, it goes smoothly and with grace and balance. That's the Libra in you Mom! And the circle itself is HUGE! It has always tended to expand rather than contract. Your zest for life has kept you from limiting your circle. It's made you open to learning, becoming, enjoying new experiences, and to encouraging others to learn, become, enjoy new experiences, and applauding us when we do!
It's hard to put into words all the love and wonder I feel, how blessed I know I am, whenever I think about my mother; how I relish the fact that she is my mother. From the time I was little, I always knew she was a special mother. And today, I must say, after listening to my kids' reflections on the topic, that there's definitely a ripple effect: "Mom-ness" effortlessly expanding into "Mimi-ness"!
So here's to you Mom. I am so thrilled and honored to be here with you and my Dad and my sibs on your 80th to celebrate all our love for you and our best wishes for a wonderful, happy happy birthday!
So, let's look at the number 80. That's a pretty circular set of digits. There's the zero, the big one, and there's an eight, which is made up of two circles. Is there any divine meaning in the number 80 with reference to Life then? Perhaps not. Maybe the meaning is more symbolic, the number for today. Because today, this very day - the meaning is clear: Happy 80th MOM! This one's for you.
The circles in the number of your years make a lot of sense when I think of you Mom. The two circles in the 8 symbolize your movement as wife and mother. You can draw it as two separate circles, or you can draw it in zigzag fashion, like two "s"s back to back. In your case, I'd say definitely zigzag, because you've always managed to keep us all intertwined. Back and forth, to and fro, we all move around and with each other. As we've grown with time, the zigzagging lengthens out and slows down, but it always unites and seamlessly comes together, and that's how I see you Mom; a woman who has always united the parts of her life into a perfect unit of completeness.
But wait - do you think I'm assuming that a woman only exists as wife and mother? No, no! Don't forget the big 0. The circle of Life! That one goes around and around, as we travel around inside it. In my Mother's case, it goes smoothly and with grace and balance. That's the Libra in you Mom! And the circle itself is HUGE! It has always tended to expand rather than contract. Your zest for life has kept you from limiting your circle. It's made you open to learning, becoming, enjoying new experiences, and to encouraging others to learn, become, enjoy new experiences, and applauding us when we do!
It's hard to put into words all the love and wonder I feel, how blessed I know I am, whenever I think about my mother; how I relish the fact that she is my mother. From the time I was little, I always knew she was a special mother. And today, I must say, after listening to my kids' reflections on the topic, that there's definitely a ripple effect: "Mom-ness" effortlessly expanding into "Mimi-ness"!
So here's to you Mom. I am so thrilled and honored to be here with you and my Dad and my sibs on your 80th to celebrate all our love for you and our best wishes for a wonderful, happy happy birthday!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Shivering with anticipation!
I am shivering! Literally! I'm sitting here drinking a concoction I made up of rum and mango juice! Just trying to calm myself down! HOW THINGS DO HAPPEN!!!
FIRST: My working schedule will soon be cut down!
I've been wanting to cut down on my working hours. I realize that with the world coming to an end in Financial crises that will sooner or later reach us too, this is probably not a wise move, but I just had to set things in motion. On Friday I learned that as of our next bimester - starting in 10 days - my hours will be drastically reduced, as I had requested. I was filled with a mixture of excitement and dread! Can we really afford to live on less?
SECOND: Someone might buy my car!!!
I have to sell my car. I love my car. It's a Crossfox and it's the funnest thing I've ever driven in my life. I drive a lot anyway, but with this car, I LOVE going places. But it's not really my car, you see. The company lets me rent it for a year, but now the year is up, and I either have to sell it, or turn it in. They made us a sweet deal if we sell our cars this time, so I put some ads in different online car-sales pages, and tonight, I GOT A CALL!!! I'm so excited - and filled with dread too! I'm not good at selling things! I hate having to "talk up" the thing I want to sell... but the guy who called was really nice, and when he laughed at my evident inexperience at selling over the phone, I responded by saying that the truth is, I don't really want to sell the car. I love it too much! (Maybe that could actually be a good strategy!)
THIRD: A publishing company may be interested in publishing my book!!
I have been trying to get my book published. I signed on with some online agents, who've been super nice and kept in touch, but nothing came up - UNTIL TONIGHT! A few minutes before the prospective buyer of the Crossfox called, an e-mail came in saying that a publishing company may be interested in my book!!! Now that was totally unexpected (did I mention that it's been 10 months since I signed on with the agency?) In fact, I was still going over the whole format that I would have to fill out if I want to try to publish thru this company when Samo called me to the phone to deal with the potential car-buyer!!!
FOURTH: I am going to fly to Texas in five days!!
I need to start getting my act together! We're going to celebrate my mother's 80th birthday and my sibs and I are all excited about doing this. But it seems like the date is getting closer and closer and I need to think clearly and get stuff ready for my trip! (here I pause to take another gulp of my mango-and-rum!)
FIFTH: We have lots of tomato plants!!! Not to mention peas, lettuce, cilantro, basil, and epazote...
A couple of months ago, I was determined to get my tomato garden growing, but it turned out that I mistook the tiny plants coming up for weeds, and PULLED THEM OUT!!!
I know that now, because, when I never got any tomato plants, I decided to try again in planter boxes, and now THEY'VE ALL COME UP!!! In fact - I've got way too many for those planter boxes and will need to do some serious transplanting when I get back from my trip.
SIXTH: Bella's on the mend!
A few days ago, I noticed that poor Bella - our 6-yr-old Labrador - seemed to be in agony. She has very sensitive skin and has had all sorts of problems over the years, but always before - Anto was here to tend her. But now he's off on his venture and I've got to do it, but I always seem to be pulled 7 different ways, so, though I knew I would soon have to deal with Bella's dilemma, I was letting it slide. This morning however, as I was cruising along on my way to get fruits and veggies, I spotted a roving Veterinarian. I jumped out of the car and waved him down. I asked if he made rounds to people's houses, and he said yes. He agreed to make a stop at our place that afternoon. Turned out she needed THREE SHOTS, and one more tomorrow, plus a good bath with a certain shampoo, plus another back-up pill she'll be taking for awhile... I feel good that she'll be better soon - but I hope Car and Samo will remember to give her her meds and take good care of both her and Nemo while I'm gone.
SEVENTH: I have to turn in two big translations this week!
I'm sposed to be working on that stuff NOW!!! What am I doing here blogging away???? SHIVERING!!! (but not so much, now that I've finished my mango-rum cocktail which was absolutely DELIISHHHHHUS, btw).
FIRST: My working schedule will soon be cut down!
I've been wanting to cut down on my working hours. I realize that with the world coming to an end in Financial crises that will sooner or later reach us too, this is probably not a wise move, but I just had to set things in motion. On Friday I learned that as of our next bimester - starting in 10 days - my hours will be drastically reduced, as I had requested. I was filled with a mixture of excitement and dread! Can we really afford to live on less?
SECOND: Someone might buy my car!!!
I have to sell my car. I love my car. It's a Crossfox and it's the funnest thing I've ever driven in my life. I drive a lot anyway, but with this car, I LOVE going places. But it's not really my car, you see. The company lets me rent it for a year, but now the year is up, and I either have to sell it, or turn it in. They made us a sweet deal if we sell our cars this time, so I put some ads in different online car-sales pages, and tonight, I GOT A CALL!!! I'm so excited - and filled with dread too! I'm not good at selling things! I hate having to "talk up" the thing I want to sell... but the guy who called was really nice, and when he laughed at my evident inexperience at selling over the phone, I responded by saying that the truth is, I don't really want to sell the car. I love it too much! (Maybe that could actually be a good strategy!)
THIRD: A publishing company may be interested in publishing my book!!
I have been trying to get my book published. I signed on with some online agents, who've been super nice and kept in touch, but nothing came up - UNTIL TONIGHT! A few minutes before the prospective buyer of the Crossfox called, an e-mail came in saying that a publishing company may be interested in my book!!! Now that was totally unexpected (did I mention that it's been 10 months since I signed on with the agency?) In fact, I was still going over the whole format that I would have to fill out if I want to try to publish thru this company when Samo called me to the phone to deal with the potential car-buyer!!!
FOURTH: I am going to fly to Texas in five days!!
I need to start getting my act together! We're going to celebrate my mother's 80th birthday and my sibs and I are all excited about doing this. But it seems like the date is getting closer and closer and I need to think clearly and get stuff ready for my trip! (here I pause to take another gulp of my mango-and-rum!)
FIFTH: We have lots of tomato plants!!! Not to mention peas, lettuce, cilantro, basil, and epazote...
A couple of months ago, I was determined to get my tomato garden growing, but it turned out that I mistook the tiny plants coming up for weeds, and PULLED THEM OUT!!!
I know that now, because, when I never got any tomato plants, I decided to try again in planter boxes, and now THEY'VE ALL COME UP!!! In fact - I've got way too many for those planter boxes and will need to do some serious transplanting when I get back from my trip.
SIXTH: Bella's on the mend!
A few days ago, I noticed that poor Bella - our 6-yr-old Labrador - seemed to be in agony. She has very sensitive skin and has had all sorts of problems over the years, but always before - Anto was here to tend her. But now he's off on his venture and I've got to do it, but I always seem to be pulled 7 different ways, so, though I knew I would soon have to deal with Bella's dilemma, I was letting it slide. This morning however, as I was cruising along on my way to get fruits and veggies, I spotted a roving Veterinarian. I jumped out of the car and waved him down. I asked if he made rounds to people's houses, and he said yes. He agreed to make a stop at our place that afternoon. Turned out she needed THREE SHOTS, and one more tomorrow, plus a good bath with a certain shampoo, plus another back-up pill she'll be taking for awhile... I feel good that she'll be better soon - but I hope Car and Samo will remember to give her her meds and take good care of both her and Nemo while I'm gone.
SEVENTH: I have to turn in two big translations this week!
I'm sposed to be working on that stuff NOW!!! What am I doing here blogging away???? SHIVERING!!! (but not so much, now that I've finished my mango-rum cocktail which was absolutely DELIISHHHHHUS, btw).
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