If the Must I post in English? FAQ states, in part, that “Exceptions include requests for help with translation, explanation of foreign language words or expressions, foreign words or phrases that have come into English, etc.”, does that mean that the non-English titles of well-known works of art must be translated? What about lesser-known works of art. Or, does the clause stating, “foreign words or phrases that have come into English” cover these works?
For example, Mein Kampff, Un Ballo in Maschera, A la recherche du temps perdu, El Cid? What about “old/middle English” titles, such as, Auld Lang Syne?
ETA: Whoooops! Auld Lang Syne is Scottish. My apologies! (But you get my drift.)
No, of course not. I don’t think works like the ones you cited need translation.
It would be a courtesy to provide a translation of lesser known works, but if they are just titles even that is not strictly necessary.
I think you misinterpret the rule somewhat, which as stated is:
Bolding mine. Note that the rule refers to posts, not individual words or phrases. As long as the use of foreign words or phrases doesn’t interfere with the ability of moderators to understand your post, then there shouldn’t be a problem.
We want to avoid posters conversing extensively in a foreign language, since we may not be able to detect rule violations or other problems; or using foreign words to surreptitiously insult other posters, etc. But the occasional mention of a title in a foreign language is not apt to be a problem.
Can we use foreign insults in the pit? Do we need to translate them? Just curious, I don’t plan on doing so, but it would be nice to know the rule just in case the opportunity arises.
OK, we can use them, provided they are acceptable in meaning, but do we also have to translate them? I know what “puta fea” means, do I also have to tell the “english-only” crowd that it means “ugly whore” to be within the rules?
I once said to a co-worker “Es muy frio”. After I left the room, I suddenly realized that she had NO FUCKING IDEA what I had just said, since it wasn’t English. I went back and translated for her (and the rest of the office staff, who were already used to me saying things in Spanish, or French, or something else). Do I need to do that in the pit, should I spout non-English insults?
I think you should. Not only out of common courtesy, but also to avoid misunderstandings. You wouldn’t want someone to Google-translate the “Mámame el bicho” in your post only to have them come up with, “Mummy me the insect.” They would wonder what your interest in dessicated entomological specimens had to do with the matter at hand.
Translation (NSFW): Puerto Rican Spanish slang, “suck my cock”
All the Puerto Ricans I’ve ever heard that from said: Chupe me bicho (My spelling may be off, I can’t write in spanish, I only sort of speak it.) I’ll have to remember that one, for use in the future!
To be on the safe side, I would say yes. However, this is a pretty hypothetical question, since you say you don’t intend to do it; and I don’t recall anyone else doing so either. I mean, what would be the point? An insult isn’t going to be very effective if it’s in a someone in a language the target (and much of the audience) doesn’t understand.
But it’s so-o-o-o-o satisfying in a gloatingly passive-aggressive manner, you pendejo.
Translation:[spoiler]of course I mean the secondary usage of the term: “2 Pelo que sale en el pubis y en las ingles.” [a hair that sprouts from the pubic area and the groin]. Source: Pendejo[/spoiler] - significado de pendejo[/spoiler] diccionario
Once, when I was a teen, the family was driving from Point A to Point B and some hotrodder cut my dad off. My brother rolled down the window and yelled at the other driver, “¡Pelo púbico!” My dad and mom laughed and laughed. Good times…
The bottom line is that our concern is that the moderators (and most readers) be able to understand what you’ve written. The goal of our message boards is the exchange of thoughts and ideas, and that is thwarted if most readers can’t understand what’s being said. Common foreign expressions, sure, that’s fine. We don’t want hair-splitting over this (or any other) rule. (I can imagine someone asking whether it’s OK to use $#*@ since that’s not English.)
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