PDA

View Full Version : Government help


GratefulCitizen
09-20-2012, 19:43
Saw something at work last week which epitomizes gov't "help".
Struck me as funny.

Had a delivery at a government office in Kayenta, Arizona.
This is in the middle of the Navajo Nation.

There was a sign with instructions written in at least 20 languages about what to do if you need an English-language translator.
Not sure how many people in the Navajo Nation speak Arabic, Vietnamese, or Somalian; but at least Navajo was included (chuckle).

Not everyone will understand the humor, but some who are familiar with the nature of the Navajo language will realize the absurdity.
One has to wonder just how many people there are who can read written Navajo, but can't speak English!!

Badger52
09-21-2012, 06:35
Not everyone will understand the humor, but some who are familiar with the nature of the Navajo language will realize the absurdity.
One has to wonder just how many people there are who can read written Navajo, but can't speak English!!That IS funny, thanks for sharing. I'm seeing McClintock...
"I've got a touch of hangover, bureaucrat. Don't push me."

adal
09-21-2012, 06:45
Sometimes I wonder if the ones that wrote Navajo down know what they wrote. :)

miclo18d
09-21-2012, 12:45
Kind of like this sign.

In countries with high illiteracy rates!

GratefulCitizen
09-21-2012, 19:06
Sometimes I wonder if the ones that wrote Navajo down know what they wrote. :)

There is consensus among my customers and friend/coworker (English is very much his second language).
The more fluent your Navajo, the more difficult it is to understand the written version.

Of course, there's no telling if any humorous "adjustments" were included by those helping with the translation to writing.
There is a permanent record on the big screen of John Wayne's experiences with "adjusted" translations.
:D