Categories: words, translation
Date: 16 April 2008 14:26:46
I have a vague recollection that there used to be a quiz show on TV (we're probably talking about the Dark Ages here, since I haven't actually had a TV since Chaucer was a lad) where the contestants would be shown a portion of a photograph of an object taken from an unusual angle. The camera would then zoom out and more of the object would be revealed. Eventually the whole thing would be visible and it was usually obvious what it was - albeit viewed from an unlikely angle. It was usually something like a light bulb or a key or a garden fork.
Part of this presentation on fire protection measures had a few close-up photos. And when you're translating about something you know little about, it's always nice to have a picture or two to help with the description and to reassure you that you are actually on the right lines with your description. But not today. The photos were taken from such peculiar angles that it was difficult to see what they were trying to illustrate. I think they were supposed to be doors - but frankly - they could have been interplanetary spacecraft or balloon whisks. I just hope I don't get trapped in a fire with only a balloon whisk to save me. Which reminds me. The German for balloon whisk is "Schneebesen" which literally means "snow broom". As I said: not much use in a fire.