English Spanish Translator Org: Translation Forum � Translators Forums - View Single Post

El Detective · 08-15-2008, 08:06 AM

Hola Vicente,

I have always felt the use of the impersonal "se" is a way of unifying a message. In the U. S. the very common "se habla español" brings more than the message Spanish is spoken here, it says we want your business and will work with you in your native language.

I have to agree with Sandra and say Sí, se puede is a good unifying phrase expressing the same sentiment as "Yes, we can".

Regarding the original mistranslation (or perhaps misspelling) unfortunately this is all too common here in the U. S. In this case, however it's almost comical since "if we can" may be a more true to life statement for a political campaign.

Joel

08-15-2008, 08:06 AM	#5
El Detective Contributing User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Georgia Age: 55 Posts: 196 Rep Power: 458	Re: Yes We Can Mistranslation Hola Vicente, I have always felt the use of the impersonal "se" is a way of unifying a message. In the U. S. the very common "se habla español" brings more than the message Spanish is spoken here, it says we want your business and will work with you in your native language. I have to agree with Sandra and say Sí, se puede is a good unifying phrase expressing the same sentiment as "Yes, we can". Regarding the original mistranslation (or perhaps misspelling) unfortunately this is all too common here in the U. S. In this case, however it's almost comical since "if we can" may be a more true to life statement for a political campaign. Joel __________________ "El verdadero objectivo de la vida no es el destino final, si no disfrutar el camino."