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Learning another language is always useful. You can read books in their original language. It makes it easier to communicate with locals when you're traveling. You might also woo your long-time crush with some French (after all, it is the most romantic language in the world.)
But after seeing the entries in this list, you will probably think it's also useful to not get misleading directions. One might think that the language of signs is universal. Yet, it seems when there are different alphabets involved, all bets are off. Scroll through our selection of the goofiest translations from the Translation Gone Wrong Facebook page and let us know your favorites below!
And who could tell us more about the woes of translators if not one of their own? Thus, Bored Panda reached out to audiovisual translator Dot Roberts. She not only translates subtitles for movies, TV shows, marketing videos to and from German, Dutch and English, but she does subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing people as well.
Dot also hosts the podcast Meet The Translator, where she interviews experts in the field. Read her insights on the profession below and find out what her personal favorite ‘failed translation’ is!
More info: Translation Gone Wrong | Dot Roberts | LinkedIn | Meet The Translator Podcast | Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Fortune Cookies: "You Will Gain Admiration From Your Pears."
Ari the Queer (He/Xim) 1 year ago
this is so beautiful im so happy with it, its just beautiful to such a point i cant express my admiration in words
Just like any other profession, translation requires many years of hard work and dedication. In this case, it's all about studying languages. Translator Dot Roberts told us about her journey towards becoming a professional translator. "I started learning German at school when I was 12 and I really enjoyed it. It was one of my favorite subjects," Dot says.
She continued to learn German and after graduating, went to Berlin to work as an au pair. Dutch came into the picture when she started her university years. Since she liked translation as a subject so much, she decided to pursue a Master's in Translation Studies at the University of Manchester.
RELATED:
#2
Sunday Mood
Terry Tobias 1 year ago
They're all tucked into their lawn bed for a good sleep! 😴
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QijianSanek 1 year ago
ok this is actually not a translation error. this is to stop kids from walking on the grass in china
Krd 1 year ago
I was going to say this doesn't seem like a mistranslation, just a cute sign.
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LauraDragonWench 1 year ago
If I didn't hate grass lawns with a passion, I'd so want to put this up! Because to disturb tiny dreaming grass would be appalling. 😂
LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago (edited)
This is one of my favourite mistranslations. Dream on tiny grass, dream on.
#3
Brilliant
Robert T 1 year ago
I'm hoping it is on the list somewhere, but very reminiscent (and not quite as impressive) of the Welsh roadsign which has the translator's out-of-office autoreply (in Welsh) on it.
Ixanga Cancun 1 year ago
Ynyrhydref56 will be able to do the Welsh translation correctly, since they have a Welsh name themselves.
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Just-4-2day 1 year ago
From Google Translate: Trend frontline COULD NOT CONNECT TO TRANSLATOR SERVICE Fashion perm and dyeing styling club Modelling the club TEL: 8688777-8686966
While doing her Master's, Dot started doing freelance work. First at her part-time employer LUSH, later for Wayfair. "I built up my experience with them before taking on other clients and getting more into subtitling," the translator shares.
"I never really purposefully chose this profession," Dot admits. "I just always pursued the things I enjoyed the most and it sort of led me here. I love the projects I get to work on and I have so much fun doing my work and being part of the wonderful translator community."
#4
KDS 1 year ago
Maybe Seal the singer although I would love to see a cartoon of a seal on a bicycle.
Sergio Bicerra 1 year ago
If it was in my city, it would read TO STEAL. I mean, there's no point in being optimist.
The Original Bruno 1 year ago
Reminds me of the old feminist line, "a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle."
#5
Rebellious Freezer!
#6
pineapple87 1 year ago
Today is always under construction, never finished. When today finishes, it becomes yesterday.
* * * Being_Cori * * * 1 year ago
yesterday has been completed, today is under construction and tomorrow is being planned
Kat-Renee Kittel 1 year ago
But what if tomorrow is yesterday, do we have to go back to the future?
nottheactualphoto 1 year ago
"Tomorrow is Yesterday." Good Star Trek episode.
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Nowadays, her job isn’t just about doing translation and subtitling. Dot also hosts her own podcast called Meet the Translator. She chats with different translators about various topics relating to the industry. Don’t hesitate to give it a listen if board game, video game and sports translation and localization sound intriguing to you!
#7
!! Warning !!
pineapple87 1 year ago
The only thing that makes sense is the do not vomit on the floor, which sounds like a reasonable request.
Bogdan Chelariu 1 year ago
Now I'm wondering if anyone actually rubbed against the wall, or it's just a translation mistake! :))
Duckie Measles 1 year ago
I'm picturing someone rubbing on the wall like Baloo from the Jungle Book does on a tree.
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BigCityLady 1 year ago
Well, I would agree with never rubbing against the wall as consent was likely not given……
Sergio Bicerra 1 year ago
Looks like this was translated from english to chinese, then to finnish, then spanish, then french, and then back to english.
digitalin 1 year ago
These are the sort that are fun to translate into normal English. "Put your own used chewing gum in the trash yourself! Don't throw it on the floor, stick it to the stage, and NEVER stick it on the wall."
#8
Whatever Blows Your Bubble
Jack Smith 1 year ago
finally! all the previous electric shocks i met before were awfully rude! nice to see some change!
#9
Isn't This Your Definition Of Great Customer Service?
Id row 1 year ago
I worked with someone where English was their 2nd language and he was very good at it, but...he had his moments. I called him one time and his vm greeting was, "I am busy with myself, I can't come to the phone". After a laughing fit, I told him he should probably change that, lol.
Dot is also a speaker at translation conferences and runs an annual audiovisual translation workshop with a colleague for students at the University of Manchester. "I love supporting new and aspiring translators and showing them how much fun the job can be!" Dot gushes.
#10
How Not To Encourage Your Children To Clean Up After Themselves
pineapple87 1 year ago
Is there a smart child version so you can tell your kids which one is your favourite?
#11
What About A Carrot Phone?
The Original Bruno 1 year ago (edited)
If he can't handle vegan phones, wait'll this guy finds out about homophones.
Load More Replies... LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago
You totally beat me to it. Now that song will be stuck bore itself into my brain like some twisted flesh-eating parasite.
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Lex <3 (they/them) 1 year ago
Aww man. I guess I'm just gonna have to bring my broccoli phone.
#12
Bathroom Feminism
cal! at the disco (they/him) 1 year ago
And meeeee (yeah I'm nonbinary, yeah I go by he/they, we exist)
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pineapple87 1 year ago
One is for men who spit and bench press 200lbs, the other is for the sissies.
What are the most important skills a translator should have? As we've seen from this list, language proficiency should be at the top of the list. Dot agrees but also tells Bored Panda another important characteristic most people wouldn’t think to name.
"Your target language skills are actually more important than your source language skills," the translator believes. She says that a translator needs to be a really good writer in their target language.
#13
Or Not!
#14
Or Else..!
* * * Being_Cori * * * 1 year ago
I am a strong independent woman, do not tell me what to do - walks away - walks back and pushes the button - rolls eyes and leaves for good
#15
Behave Yourself!
David 1 year ago
Joke aside, I'm guessing that is bare ground at low tide. Close to me there is a bay with a very shallow slope so at low tide the water is way out there. No running is probably about foot hazards or not damaging clams / other sand dwelling life with extra pressure..
WindySwede 1 year ago
Probably tidal? If climate change, we should have heard more about cities and island nations beeing under the ocean by now?
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Another important skill a good translator should learn, according to Dot, is to communicate clearly with clients. "I’d say you need to have good research skills and good communication skills. It’s important to have a strong relationship with your clients so you know exactly what it is they need you to do and you feel comfortable enough to ask them questions."
#16
Here You Can Even Steal For Free
Ravioli 1 year ago
I think in Denmark you can claim someone’s lost child after 2 hours soooo..
Stephanie Fay 1 year ago (edited)
There's my Gucci luggage. Whew, good thing I didn't miss it!
#17
A Quick Visit!
Just-4-2day 1 year ago
From Google Translate: Welcome home / WELCOM GO HOME Peninsula Hotline | 3814666 Designable garden design, Guangzhou Kemei Garden Design Property management: Guilin Zhangtai Property Management Integrated promotion, Shenzhen II
#18
Don't You Agree?
Mr. Nurse Man 1 year ago
The lack of pants is more like it. I’d rather lounge around in my underpants and eat snacks while cuddling the wife and dogs.
Crybabyartist 1 year ago
The kerning and leading are all over the place like they held the little strip of paper where the strike area is. Or the old typewriter is so worn that there is no consistency.
Load More Replies...This skill can come in handy when the translation can be ambiguous and there are multiple potential interpretations. Dot recommends asking the client for context in these cases. "There’s a joke about translators always asking for context, but it’s true. There can be hundreds of different ways to translate something, so context is key if you want it to actually make sense," the translator says.
#19
Get In Line, Guys!
Passerby 1 year ago
Or lucky Sue, depend on point of view and her disposition.
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Passerby 1 year ago
This is not a mistranslation. It is just an unfortunate transliteration. It is the name of a subway station in Bangkok.
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 1 year ago (edited)
"Bang" is a common Thai word denoting "village* (as in Bangkok).
#20
Cash, Please. I Left My Octopus At Home
Kevin the Manager 1 year ago
1. Remove Octopus from Octopus Carrying Case (not included) 2. Toss Octopus at clerk 3. Take desired product(s) while clerk is busy with Octopus on face. 4. Apply for new Octopus for future transactions. 5. Thank you for using Octopus!
Mermeow Overlord (they/them) 1 year ago (edited)
Ha, I posted the same comment! We must have the same squid dealer.
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BookFanatic 1 year ago
I really want to see someone shopping with their cute lil' octopus now.
#21
Sunday Morning Coffee Anyone?
Ross “Sarcastic Dad” 1 year ago
I'm asking my wife for "happy relations" tonight. We will probably just "rest ourself together" though.
Currently, one of the hottest questions in the translation field is the growing presence of AI. "It’s definitely been a hot topic in the industry, with an increasing number of conference talks popping up about it," Dot agrees. Yet, she says that we're still figuring out how translators can get the maximum benefits.
#22
Let's Give It A Taste!
AnkleByter 1 year ago
I mean, apple butter is delicious, times are tough, sometimes you need two jobs. I'll take 2 jars please.
TotallyNOTAFox 1 year ago
I don't think that a hoe is the right tool to make any kind of butter
Lex <3 (they/them) 1 year ago
BP didn’t censor that? Holy crαp it's a miracle!
Load More Replies... #23
This Supermarked Has It All
Ari the Queer (He/Xim) 1 year ago
i think there is "infant milk formula" on the sign back there so i think there are several pregnant women being held hostage
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Sooploosh MacSchnibble 1 year ago
Smthn abt seeing this while wearing my pajama breasts felt weird.
TotallyNOTAFox 1 year ago (edited)
I don't know what's scarier - That it's probably a simple translation error or that it actually could be correct...
HazardousGlobe 1 year ago
I just find myself considering whether I would take a job as a "milkmaid" in that milking Parler. Do the women like being milked? Are they fairly compensated?
#24
A Revolutionary New Marketing Strategy
"Machine translation has been around for a while and it’s definitely getting better," Dot observes. "But it’s still not as good as human translation and I doubt it really ever will be."
She tells us she's seeing more translators offering MTPE (machine translation post-editing) as a service. MTPE means that a translator reviews and improves machine-translated text to make it more accurate and fluent.
#25
Some Last Moment
OneHappyPuppy 1 year ago
We had a coffee shop in my hometown that ripped off the name of the same brand but was sued for the trademark so they closed and tbh I was impressed that someone from D&G actually located that tiny coffee shop that never advertised in fucktown nowhere and sued for the trademark...
#26
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
How high does the cliff jump? Does it jump at scheduled times?
#1 Candevil Fan 1 year ago
my parents: "if your friends jumped off a cliff, would you do it too?" Me: YEET
MikeInSociety (they/them) 1 year ago
A good wallpaper for ur iPad/laptop if people are obnoxious and want to take it…
#27
Carefully Slip And Fall Into The Weekend
Mr. Nurse Man 1 year ago
Because I deal with people who have mobility issues on a daily basis, I don’t try to catch anyone to stop them from falling. Instead, I slow their descent and assist them to the ground in a controlled manner. Typically involves letting them slide down my leg as I lower them. Much better to have to pick someone back up without injury than risk injury to them or yourself by trying to stop it entirely. In sudden fall events, it’s nearly impossible to be prepared to actually catch and prevent the fall without causing strain or pulling a muscle/ligament.
Kevin the Manager 1 year ago
No! Not like that! Now get up and fall again, but this time, BE CAREFUL!
AnkleByter 1 year ago
It's more fun to do in a wild and maniacal manner. If I'm not flailin', I'm not fallin'.
Dot also says that she's aware of some automatic subtitle translation software. "But from what I’ve seen so far, it’s not amazing," she says honestly. Her outlook overall is positive.
"A lot of people are concerned about the future of translation with AI. But I think the more we understand it, the more we can hopefully use it to our advantage. It’ll be interesting to see how AI develops and shapes the industry!"
#28
Not Feel Well - Get Drunk
Jack Smith 1 year ago
are they TELLING me to get drunk if i ALREADY dont feel well? because i dont think that'll fly well. im underage.
Just-4-2day 1 year ago
From Google Translate: Not feel well. Get drunk. / Those who are not feeling well or are under the influence of alcohol.
#29
Happy Post-Super Bowel!
Sven Grammersdorf 1 year ago
This isn't even translated. This restaurant is in Colorado. https://lacuisineofevergreencatering.com/
#30
Watch Out!
pineapple87 1 year ago
Not untrue. A false sense of safety can be dangerous. Vigilance is key.
Space Bunny<3 1 year ago
In some kind of way yes. If your constantly trying to be safe u may not pay attention to real dangers
Load More Replies... Naturally, we had to ask Dot if she has a favorite translation mishap. It's not hers, but one that she saw in Beijing while studying. "I think my favorite was in one of our textbooks. There was a list of dishes and their translations, and one of them was ‘squirrel sample fish’. Safe to say, I never ordered that one," Dot adds.
#31
Literally Lost In Translation
Just-4-2day 1 year ago
From Google translate: Kyoto Bean Road, Specific raw materials, Peanuts, wheat, shrimp, soybeans, うたげ peanuts and hail. Please input sentences that translate into here. ¥260Mizubemasa
#32
Hide And Seek - Toilets, Your Turn!
Suby 1 year ago
Well, if they're clogged, they might as well be hidden. Either way, they're unavailable.
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pineapple87 1 year ago
Can't say I particularly care for having to look for a toilet when I need to go.
Multa Nocte 1 year ago
And that is absolutely the WORST time to be forced to play hide and seek.
#33
Do Not Diet, It's Friday!
#34
Ouch!
David 1 year ago
Is this photoshopped? Line around arm looks a tad odd. But also - the letters on his shirt are backwards like the image is mirrored but the letters on his arm are not.
Cougar Allen 1 year ago
Yes, I can tell by the pixels, and having seen quite a few shops in my time.
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#35
Pls Wait Outside A Noodle. Say What?
Just-4-2day 1 year ago
From Google Translate: Please wait one meter away / PLEASE WAIT OUTSIDE A NOODLE
Tameeza Joyce Lightowler 1 year ago (edited)
Thank you for translating! 🙂
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Some guy 1 year ago
Good thing too, because God help you once you're inside the noodle!
Load More Replies... Tameeza Joyce Lightowler 1 year ago (edited)
It's been translated and means "Please wait one meter away"... Anyone remember the social distancing feet signs on the floors of various places during the Pandemic? I'd seen them, as had others, we were making jokes about how they're the instructions for how to dance along to the "Time Warp" song from Rocky Horror! (Not because any of it was funny, it was how we coped with the situation in our city)
#36
Hygiene Tip Of The Day
#37
-What's Up? -Sunshine!
Dodo (they/them) 1 year ago
Not a translation fail. My katakana is rusty but that does literally say Sunshine. (Note: Katakana is used for foreign words)
LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago
You are correct. I think the sign is referring to the Sunshine City complex in Tokyo. I'm have trouble reading the first kanji character though-- it's been a very long time since I studied Japanese.
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Jules (they/them) 1 year ago
(disclaimer: I am not a native Japanese speaker but am actively learning it) Can't switch languages on the app apparently -_- but yes like other comments have said the translation isn't that bad. The katakana characters サンシャイン (ha, managed to copy and paste) mean "sunshine" and my Japanese dictionary says 方面 means "district" or "area" so the other comments saying it means/refers to Sunshine City are correct.
LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago
The katakana does indeed transliterate into "sunshine" , so the translation really isn't that far off (I sadly can't read the kanji anymore as it's been quite some time since I studied Japanese). I think they are reffering to "Sunshine City" which is a building complex in part of Tokyo.
cerinamroth 1 year ago
Sunshine City, a building complex in Tokyo built on the site of a former prison.
Jack Smith 1 year ago
damn. is there a "for dark clouds" line? i dont think I'll get through the Sunshine one, what with the pessimism and all
#38
New Year - New Taste
Space Bunny<3 1 year ago
Guys… they are telling you to not hold your pipi in! They re trying to help /j
Kat-Renee Kittel 1 year ago (edited)
I'm remembering a Friends comment by Joey after Monica was stung by a jellyfish.
Just-4-2day 1 year ago
From Google Translate: fish fruit powder fish noodles Pee Beef Ball Powder…………………… urinate beef boll rice noodles
Dread Pirate Roberts 1 year ago
LMAO 😂 looks like they just gave away the recipe to their secret sauce
* * * Being_Cori * * * 1 year ago
am I the only one who is imagining what fish noodles are made.. or look like...
#39
Who's Hungry?
Multa Nocte 1 year ago
Thank you so much to whomever censored out that rude word. I would have been scandalised and had to be revived with smelling salts had I but seen it.
Hawkmoon 1 year ago
Coming soon: all texts and images blurred to prevent anyone from being shocked by anything
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LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago
The BoredPanda censorship mafia strikes again. Honestly though. Cut the crab out BoredPanda. It so ducking sad that this site has result to censorship.
Lex <3 (they/them) 1 year ago (edited)
I mean, yeah technically, since it does mean "s**t" after all... 😉
Load More Replies... KDS 1 year ago
Are we sure it is not carp? I mean fresh carp makes more sense than fresh c*ap
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Travelling Stranger 1 year ago
had no idea the name of a fish known as carp were to ever be offensive, but this is BP, so there we go..
Lex <3 (they/them) 1 year ago
It probably said "cr@p", since apparently BP thinks that's a curse word -_-
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Tameeza Joyce Lightowler 1 year ago (edited)
Carp... C**p... Crab? ... Automatically censored!!! 😄 Poop... Yeays!!! We can say Poop!!!
#40
Happy Valentine's Day! I Love You, Ok? - Your Telephone
Evan Kramer 1 year ago
very funny. Our business at MotionPoint is translation so this is what we tr to avoid!
#41
Bon Appétit!
Crybabyartist 1 year ago
I translate as "4 happy roasted husbands/ workers". So yeah the English is fractured.
#42
Entrance Only - Do Not Enter
LauraDragonWench 1 year ago
It's either a Mobius strip of a sign or a Schrodinger's sign - I'm not sure. 🤔
#43
Right
#44
Keep The Candy
Szzone 1 year ago (edited)
Good. More recognition for ice cream. (Continuation of that fake ice cream debate here?)
Bored Retsuko 1 year ago
Poor ice cream, really. I will gladly take care of it.
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#45
Stairway To Heaven
Kerry Borthwick 1 year ago
That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind
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#46
Freedom For Apple Pie!
Jack Smith 1 year ago
personally, i think ice cream has it worse (can y'all start a fake discourse thread in the replies? it'd be funny)
Stardust she/her 1 year ago
I hate how people like you downplay the struggle of other desserts just because icecream had to go through that incident /s
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#47
We Agree We Agree
#48
Don’t Worry, It’s Only Puke
Some guy 1 year ago
Free-range pukers? Because I hate when they keep them in cages.
Load More Replies... #49
We're Just Saying
LauraDragonWench 1 year ago
Both my dad and I have this problem - he's 6'6" and I'm 6'1" and our heads tend to need a lot of attention.
MikeInSociety (they/them) 1 year ago
*pays attention to my head* thank u helpful person who made this helpful sign :))))
#50
It's Lonely Being At The Top
LauraDragonWench 1 year ago
Doesn't god get to play with all those angels? Or is it a clique thing?
#51
Keep It Out Of The Closet
LauraDragonWench 1 year ago
Well, a toilet is known as a water closet in many places, so this translation isn't that bad.
#52
Special Price For You, My Friend!
LauraDragonWench 1 year ago
But- but what if I don't want a free child? My cats are trouble enough!
Jack Smith 1 year ago
do i automatically get the free child or can I exchange it for something else?
#53
What Did You Just Call Me?
Multa Nocte 1 year ago
I think I need a quick explanation of the accompanying art work on the package.
Kevin the Manager 1 year ago
Okay, so the naive lady was asked to procure some food and a birdhouse for "Sammy" the wooden bird sculpture. She buys some table cream (the only thing Sammy will drink), and while attempting to wrestle him into his tiny house, she gets stung by a bee that was harvesting pollen from the flowers. The naive lady screams in pain, knocking the house, the flowers, the cream, and Sammy this way and that. She trips on Fauntleroy the cat (not pictured), and bangs her glabella on the counter. Dizzy and bleeding, she uses the toilet tissue that keeps the earth full of greens for our collective children to staunch the flow, thereby averting total disaster. I thought it was obvious...
Load More Replies... MikeInSociety (they/them) 1 year ago
I’m pretty sure they meant nature or native lady, but it still sounds wrong
#54
Do Not Little. Big Time
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 1 year ago
At least it's in a bag 🙂 maybe it's going to be picked up by the little man 😁
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#55
It's Friday! Let's Celebrate With An Ice Cold Bear
Jack Smith 1 year ago
hey! you cant just sell polar bears like that! how do you think THEY feel about it?
#56
Here Is Working!
#57
Shoe On The Loose!
#58
Where?
#59
What About The Nephew?
#60
All You Need Is A Proofreader
VonBlade 1 year ago
Well tis better to have loved and lost*, so perhaps this isn't that bad. *it isn't btw
Add New Image
What do you think ?
LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago
As someone who works in the language services and linguistics industry, I cannot stress how important hiring a professional translator is unless you want to see c**p like this: HIGHER A DAM TRANSEEULATER YU MUST!
TMoxraaaar 1 year ago
Whenever I teach Interpreting 1 I show these and we figure out the form of the other language's grammar. It's like candy.
LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago
As someone who works in the language services and linguistics industry, I cannot stress how important hiring a professional translator is unless you want to see c**p like this: HIGHER A DAM TRANSEEULATER YU MUST!
TMoxraaaar 1 year ago
Whenever I teach Interpreting 1 I show these and we figure out the form of the other language's grammar. It's like candy.
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