Neil Bennett (asker) Aug 26, 2009:

Many thanks to everyone for your contributions on this. It's all very much appreciated! It was very interesting to read Timo's analysis of this phrase.

Erkki Pekkinen Aug 26, 2009:

Timo Lehtilä deserves a citation for his contribution... never before have I seen such an in-depth treatment of a topic of discussion. I only hope that the Asker will be able to fully appreciate this.

Timo Lehtilä Aug 25, 2009:

When quality issues should be properly priced? I have great difficulties to imagines a situation "when quality issues should be properly priced" other than that there have been some quality problems and disputes on how they should be compensated (= priced).

I also know when Finns use the expression "kyllä se tästä lähtee, kunhan". It is formally very optimistic expression, but is here used to send a clear message: "Only after you..."

Notice the form 'kunhan'. If it were 'kun', it would refer to the future when sth. is expected to happen. But 'kunhan' is a different thing. It can be interpreted as 'if and only when...'.

The Finnish sentence isn't clear, because it is not meant to be clear. It is meant to be somewhat unclear, for the reader to take the hint.

The presented translation is quite good. Maybe this would more precisely convey the original message: "We surely will get on once we get these quality issues and their pricing sorted out"

Owen Witesman Aug 25, 2009:

I was imagining this more as a statement at the end of a discussion about a new arrangement or contract...as if they had just concluded the basis for whatever the operation is from now on. Like "we've settled everything else, and if the quality issues and related pricing come together, it's smooth sailing from here on out..."

It's rare that a Kudoz question asker provides such a complete answer themselves...you don't need us, Neil!

Timo Lehtilä Aug 25, 2009:

Quite a challenging note It is obvious that there have earlier been some quality problems. Notice the passage "laatukysymykset ja niiden hinnoittelu" (quality issues and THEIR pricing), which apparently refers to disputes about conpensation due to poor quality (so far).

In this context the expression "Kyllä se tästä lähtee" is quite strong and clear (though disguised in positive form): All depends on you. Do better your quality and adequately compensate for your previous quality deficience. Otherwise there will be no hope that "se tästä lähtee".