Communication is key, they say, and never has this been more plainly shown than in Charlie Croker’s collection of weird translations, gathered together by him, having been corralled in his direction by the intrepid explorers who made these linguistic discoveries on their individual travels. Here, it is clear that translating correctly is a tricky business indeed.
There are a variety of different sources for the mistranslations contained in this book from signage at tourist spots to menu items, to airport directions and airplane brochures and I have to say that at times, it makes for amusing reading. It’s also a little uncomfortable too, or at least it was for me, as I felt like I was making fun of my neighbours behind their back, even when they’ve proved to be good-natured and well meaning. However, that being said, I did manage to get over that and chuckled my way heartily through most of the book, even occasionally laughing out loud.
This is a dipper, designed to tickle. Split into different sections, with witty titles to give you an idea of what is contained therein, like Plane Speaking or Eating your Words or Driven to Distraction (I’m sure that you don’t need me to explain these), we are treated to such delights of misinterpretation as:
On a hotel television set, Belgrade, Serbia:
If set breaks, inform manager. Do not interfere with yourself.
A strange prospect indeed and I’m not sure how the two are linked.
And:
Leipzig, Germany:
Ladies, please rinse out your teapots standing upside down in sink. In no event should hot bottoms be placed on counter.
I mean, we all stand upside down in the sink to rinse teapots, don’t we? I don’t know another way. And that line about hot bottoms? Heaven forbid! My hot bottom will definitely not stray to a countertop!
And so, the book progresses, taking examples, innocently translated and hilariously interpreted.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book but if I’m honest, some of it was less funny and more baffling in its content and towards the end, I was starting to feel a little tired of the whole thing but it did provide me with amusement and for that, it deserves praise. I’m not sure I’d read another although I am sure that the world is brimming over with more of the same but for a light-hearted read with wit, it was good.
It was certainly a lesson in how you may know a different language but the question it asks is can you actually say you are fluent?
Rachel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Scuffed Granny 
Sounds like the kind of book that should be read a chapter or two at a time and then put down. It feels like you were burning out near the end?
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A little, yes. It is a dipper really, you’re right but it was a fun read.
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