Forum / Other languages / Translations are too context sensitive for Chinese
Translations are too context sensitive for Chinese
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Post created: 18-11-2009 02:29

I'm quite happy with the chinese lessons, however I'm finding some of the translations too context sensitive.  Take the following example:


对不起,请问,在哪儿办理登机手续?
Duì bu qǐ, qǐngwèn, zài nǎr bànlǐ dēng jī shǒuxù?


The translation here is talking specifically about checking in for an airplane, however the english equivelant says nothing about an airplane -- it's just asking where the 'check-in' desk is, which could be for anything (ie. train, boat, etc...).  I confirmed with my wife (who is chinese) that one would not say the above if not checking in for an airplane...


Is there any way to provide this feedback back to the owner of the english-chinese lessons?  I'm quite enjoying the learning, and would like to provide this type of feedback to them when I see it so as to improve upon the experience for those who study these pages after me...


- Lee


ps. One additional suggestion is that I be able to be tested on my knowledge of the chinese characters themselves (actually there's multiple ways you can spin it -- right now I am tested to see if I know the chinese _spoken_ equivelant of the english -- I would pay for other lessons if they allowed me to test my knowledge of the chinese characters and/or test my ability to translate the chinese (either character or spoken) back to english.  But so far, this has been great!  Thanks for the excellent course!

    SuperMemo World staff
    Post created: 19-11-2009 08:40

    Dear Lee,

    Thank you for your comment, we will consult it with the authors to find the best solution.

    For any future doubts or comments, please use the option 'Report a problem' on the right side of the bottom menu. This will make the verification process much easier and faster. Thank you.

      Post created: 22-11-2009 20:23

      Ah, will do, sorry about that. I didn't see that option.

      ps. Let me know if I can assist with the issue -- I've found a few that seem a bit incorrect, but >95% are in great shape!