Review of the R1200GS Adventure - the French point of view

[Mike Werner]

I translated (with permission) the very detailed review by a French site of the R1200GS-A. It's not an easy task since they are being very poetic using a lot of French slang (thank you Google for translating those missing words).

Can you guys let me know if it's understandable and readable (spelling is American English). I'd love to know your opinion.

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/review-bmw-r-1200-gs-adventure---the-long-distance-gs.htm

Thanks

 

[mrsroynie]

I hate to say this, but it looks like it's been written by a foreigner. Not great English - American or British.

Sorry.

 

[Mike Werner]

Thats ok. Looking for feedback, not praise. Though I am indeed a foreigner, my English is my first language. But the problem here is translating poetic French into readable English... not easy. Guess I need to keep at it.

 

[stick]

y

Thats ok. Looking for feedback, not praise. Though I am indeed a foreigner, my English is my first language. But the problem here is translating poetic French into readable English... not easy. Guess I need to keep at it.

I think you have done a great job translating that , made good reading , you only need to read between the lines and it makes sense , thanks .

 

[Mike Werner]

True, since you need to understand some of the poetic French sentences... many I didn't understand. It depends a lot on the author. They guy who does the scooters is easier to translate. This guy is obviously very passionate and knowledgeable AND poetic...

 

[roadrider]

I thought you made a decent job of it Mike, and it's a decent review too. Translating standard French is easy peasy, but when it's full of slang words & terms it's a whole new ball game as many slang words simply don't have any native words to use at all.

 

[Mike Werner]

Thanks. I'm now in the process of translating their 'just published' Yamaha WT 1200Super Tenere.... pheewwwww lots of work

 

[mrsroynie]

Thats ok. Looking for feedback, not praise. Though I am indeed a foreigner, my English is my first language. But the problem here is translating poetic French into readable English... not easy. Guess I need to keep at it.

It is, as others have said, a decent job and not easy. But, as in conversation, I'm sure you've noticed that sometimes the meaning is lost in trying to translate, for instance, an English expression word for word into French. I've seen it happen (and been guilty myself occasionally) and the mangled result is met with puzzlement. Since I'm guessing you are fluent in both languages, you could opt to substitute the odd equivalent English expression for readability.

 

[Wapping]

According to the dashboard display, the bod did 240 km (150 miles) at an average speed of 50 kph (30 mph).

I make that 30 trips to Carrefour's car park and back.

 

[Rederic]

I enjoyed that, it's good to have a peek from a different view
Thank's for the effort you must of put in

 

[Mike Werner]

It is, as others have said, a decent job and not easy. But, as in conversation, I'm sure you've noticed that sometimes the meaning is lost in trying to translate, for instance, an English expression word for word into French. I've seen it happen (and been guilty myself occasionally) and the mangled result is met with puzzlement. Since I'm guessing you are fluent in both languages, you could opt to substitute the odd equivalent English expression for readability.

Yes, thanks. I'm indeed trying but I need to stay in a narrow agreement I have with them. Though I can put in my own words specific slang I still need to keep the same sense (obviously). So that is why I started translating sentence by sentence. But slowly I'm paraphrasing.

 

[mrsroynie]

Yes, thanks. I'm indeed trying but I need to stay in a narrow agreement I have with them. Though I can put in my own words specific slang I still need to keep the same sense (obviously). So that is why I started translating sentence by sentence. But slowly I'm paraphrasing.

You have my respect and my sympathy. I translated a very technical model-builder's website a few years ago, under the watchful eye of his expert mentor, and it was an utter nightmare.

 

[J.R.]

You have obviously put a lot of effort in to the translation, and a million times better than I could ever do.

Was it proof read by someone who speaks English or was that not important? Some if it is just complete nonsense.

 

[Mike Werner]

You have obviously put a lot of effort in to the translation, and a million times better than I could ever do.

Was it proof read by someone who speaks English or was that not important? Some if it is just complete nonsense.

Thanks. No, it didn't need proof reading since I knew several parts just didn't make sense (I know which ones, but couldn't really go the to writers and ask what they meant, since that was not part of the deal). This evening I'm posting their review of the Yamaha Super Tenere and that has less "weird" parts in there. I've taken a few liberties writing something different, but with the same meaning.

 

[J.R.]

Thanks Mike. No offence

 

[Mike Werner]

Thanks Mike. No offence

None taken. If I didn't want critics, then I wouldn't be asking (especially here ). Despite the "weird" stuff, I just want to be sure people can read it and understand most of what is said. The site is quite important since they do get to play with lots of the new toys...

 

[bowser]

It makes sense, but its not good english, although I like the comment about "frontal outgrowth" is that possibly a reference to the riders as well as the bike? (stands back and waits for incomming fire)

 

[Mike Werner]

It makes sense, but its not good english, although I like the comment about "frontal outgrowth" is that possibly a reference to the riders as well as the bike? (stands back and waits for incomming fire)

 

[stever1]

I hate to say this, but it looks like it's been written by a foreigner. Not great English - American or British.

Sorry.

DUH, its off a French site, so yeah its probably been written by a foreigner

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

Thanks for putting it up . I buy loads of Bike Mags when I go to France and Spain , I can just about understand them , good pictures !