random post
I just opened a new roll of paper towels and noticed that the labeling on the wrapper is in both English and Spanish. I'm not bothered by the fact that it has two languages, but this one in particular makes me curious:
"ONE SHEET KEEPS WORKING"
"UNA HOJA DURA y DURA"
Now, the translation is (according to google) "one sheet lasts and lasts". My question is, why don't they directly translate the original expression? Surely the Spanish language has the facility for a literal translation. (Don't call me Shirley.) This makes me a little paranoid (?) about the subtle differences between the two marketing schemes. Not in a xenophobic way, but more like I'm a little jealous that they ("they") could be getting awesome variations and we're ("we") all missing out. Sort of like when you're at the grocery store or the dentist office waiting room and people are speaking in a language that you don't understand and you feel like you're missing out on all the good jokes.
This is why all the egalitarian (dystopian) hegemonies insist on a common language. So no one feels left out.
"ONE SHEET KEEPS WORKING"
"UNA HOJA DURA y DURA"
Now, the translation is (according to google) "one sheet lasts and lasts". My question is, why don't they directly translate the original expression? Surely the Spanish language has the facility for a literal translation. (Don't call me Shirley.) This makes me a little paranoid (?) about the subtle differences between the two marketing schemes. Not in a xenophobic way, but more like I'm a little jealous that they ("they") could be getting awesome variations and we're ("we") all missing out. Sort of like when you're at the grocery store or the dentist office waiting room and people are speaking in a language that you don't understand and you feel like you're missing out on all the good jokes.
This is why all the egalitarian (dystopian) hegemonies insist on a common language. So no one feels left out.