Feb 21, 2007 07:39
17 yrs ago
Norwegian term
den gode samtalen
Norwegian to English
Marketing
General / Conversation / Greetings / Letters
This might seem simple enough, but I'm actually finding this a challenge in my given context, which is a small marketing text directed at hotel guests. The text is delivered in the form of small cards, to be left in the rooms ("putekort"). The text basically encourages the guest to ring someone they care about (from the room telephone, of course!) to have "den gode samtalen". The challenge here is that while this phrase has gained currency in Norway over recent years, I'm not sure that there is such a popularised equivalent in US/US, for example. Any creative suggestions much appreciated.
Proposed translations
(English)
| 3 | a good chat |
Thomas Deschington (X)
|
| 3 | a good heart-to-heart talk |
William [Bill] Gray
|
Proposed translations
12 mins
Selected
a good chat
Betcha didn't think about that one haha. But seriously, don't we say "we really had a good chat" etc.? "Den gode samtalen" is a little jokey with ref. to Haakon and Mette Marit a la Mãrthas "lysfontene"... You sure you want to / need to convey that?
"Call X for a good chat"
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Note added at 40 mins (2007-02-21 08:19:21 GMT)
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I agree with you, Brigid, that that's the meaning of "den gode samtalen". However, who are the ones the guest "cares about"? It could be wife/husband/etc., but also friends, children, etc. "Den gode samtalen" in the Haakon-Mette-Marit sense will not be relevant for all these people. And are you sure the marketing people actually meant this philosophical deep talk?
"Call X for a good chat"
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Note added at 40 mins (2007-02-21 08:19:21 GMT)
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I agree with you, Brigid, that that's the meaning of "den gode samtalen". However, who are the ones the guest "cares about"? It could be wife/husband/etc., but also friends, children, etc. "Den gode samtalen" in the Haakon-Mette-Marit sense will not be relevant for all these people. And are you sure the marketing people actually meant this philosophical deep talk?
Note from asker:
| No, absolutely not, Thomas. And that is definitely not intended in this marketing text. My understanding of "den gode samtalen" is a deep, meaningful exchange of ideas/feelings etc - at least that's what Haakon meant, right? "Chat" on the other hand, is not so deep and philosophical - but I'm definitely tending towards it in this context. Personally I think that using that phrase in this context is a bit unfortunate. A classic example of overuse/misuse. You've just confirmed my reaction. Thanks. |
3 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Sorry I can't split the points between the two of you to thank you for your helpful comments. I decided it was hopeless to try a direct translation and have therefore offered the client to proposals: "Keep in touch (with your loved ones)/The conversations that really matter" for the title. The calls mentioned in the text were everything from close family to people who made you laugh, hence my opinion that the Norwegian title really didn't truly fit the context anyway. Thanks, guys!"
28 mins
William [Bill] Gray
Norway
Norway
Native in English
Norway
Working with words
Native in: English 
Works in: English, Norwegian to English, Danish to English, and 1 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
11
a good heart-to-heart talk
I think that "den gode samtalen" has more formality and seriousness than Thomas' suggestion, though "chat" would fit in some contexts.
My main hesitancy is that while "chat" may be too informal, what I suggest here may simply be to long for the little "pillow card" your are talking about.
Let's see if there are other suggestions that come up.
My main hesitancy is that while "chat" may be too informal, what I suggest here may simply be to long for the little "pillow card" your are talking about.
Let's see if there are other suggestions that come up.
Note from asker:
| Thanks, Bill. I think the problem/challenge with this one is that this phrase "which is the title for the text" seems to me to be misused here. But your idea of "heart-to-heart" might also work. If only those marketing people knew what they put us poor translators through...! |
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