While I'm no expert on American slang, Scrimshaw, I would have said that there are less formal ways of saying most of that. What about "I'm a guy", just for starters. I think what you've written is actually good English, albeit with American spelling
I agree! You should have a go at translating the Good Soldier Svejk! I don't know what the Czech version is like, but I'm reading the English version at the moment and keep wondering if it really does justice to the Czech. The English sometimes seems a bit too stiff and formal, particularly the reported speech. Czech version English version What do people think of the English version?
Ah, ok, I see the game. To use exaggerated slang. Ok.... I'm a fellow, dude, guy, chap(eng), bloke. Well off and a man of the town. Some women think I'm all that. I'm over 50. I already have white hair, cut short, and I got a stash. I also wear glasses. They say I got canned. Some people pke fun at my hair and some clowns on television even mimic me. My wife is hated by th pavarotzi. I have two sons. One of them directs a well known school in Prague. I like to play tennis. Politically I'm right wing. I knocked off a couple books. Mixed some english slang in there In over exaggerating slang, intent of message is blurred.
I agree with you that the English version is a very stiff translation of the Czech version. The Czech version for me feels more natural and lively, although obviously a Czech can judge it a lot better. As for translating it myself, it's a bit too long for me, would take ages but I'm pleased you both liked my exaggerated slang translation of the other piece.
Yes, hrbiček, it was a good translation. But Polednikova would know about the english slang better than I would. My version...no one would talk like that, would sound comical. I looked at those links of the czech and english version of Švejk. I tend to agree with you. The english version doesn't do it justice. But then the writer chose to use slang, so maybe the rougher sounding english version fits. Not sure. Napřiklad Práskli ho v Sarajevu....They bumped him off was the english translation.. could be also...they knocked him off But those were the words that Jaroslav Hašek chose rather than just .....zastřeli ho. or vono prej jich bylo víc.....It is said there was more than one of them. Is this a common form of speech today? Would you say it is over exaggerated slang?
P.S. I remember we discussed Voják Švejk some time back, and I was told not to try to imitate that slang....somewhat out of date.
I also think it isnt best translation of Svejk. Not only for slang translation, but it seems to me that even basic meaning is shifted in some cases. Like: Ježíšmarja, vykřikl Švejk, to je dobrý! Jesus Maria!, exclaimed Švejk, What a grand job! If I understand correctly, in Eglish translation it seems like Svejk thinks it's good thing. But his Czech "To je dobrý!" means in this case more something like whew! or blimey! And about "unnatural" language - all characters in Svejk are partly caricatures and their language relates to that fact.
You should try the new version: The Fateful Adventures of the Good Soldier Svejk During the World War, Book One What do people think of the English version? Responses from readers All three volumes are available as e-books now, and the remaining two volumes will be out as paperbacks shortly.