Blending, code-switching, and other language fusions are often a heated debate among language professionals, as is the use of slang and informal grammar constructions. And yet, these modes of communication are a reality. Many translators flat out refuse to work with unofficial language practices.
Whatever our individual conclusions, though, when it comes time to translate, the broader our ability to understand, the more useful we are to our clients.
With this perspective in mind, I’d like to share a very amusing post called Chilean Spanglish Spoken Here: A Rooster From the Glue. Not only will you get a chuckle out of it, but a handy Chilean slang glossary following the translation exercise. I’d give you a sneak preview of some of the entries, but then the segment with the hysterical literal translation might just make sense. So I won’t ruin it for you.
Let me know what you think, and please feel free to share similar posts in the comments. Aside from being fun, they can turn out to be quite useful.
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Mark it Right 
Dear Sir
I wondered if you might like a mutual link to my English word website or press release details of my ensuing book with Penguin Press on amusing and interesting English vocabulary?
http://www.thewonderofwhiffling.com
with best wishes
Adam Jacot de Boinod
(author of The Meaning of Tingo)
(www.themeaningoftingo.com)
adamjacot@fastmail.co.uk
or wish to include:
The Wonder of Whiffling is a tour of English around the globe (with fine coinages from our English-speaking cousins across the pond, Down Under and elsewhere).
Discover all sorts of words you’ve always wished existed but never knew, such as fornale, to spend one’s money before it has been earned; cagg, a solemn vow or resolution not to get drunk for a certain time; and petrichor, the pleasant smell that accompanies the first rain after a dry spell.
Discover why it is you wouldn’t want to have dinner with a vice admiral of the narrow seas, why Jacobites toasted the little gentleman in black velvet, and why a Nottingham Goodnight is better than one from anywhere else
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Wow! You’re fast! glad you enjoyed the post… and thanks for turning me on to your blog–I love it… it’s been bookmarked and I’ll be back!
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Welcome Margaret!
Welcome Adam!
Adam – Thanks for the links! Your book, The wonder of whiffling, sounds like exactly the sort of thing you’d find on my book shelf.
P.S. Small correction: I’m not a “sir.” 🙂
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