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Glossary entry

Catalan term or phrase:

la llengua suma

English translation:

language adds up (includes figurative senses)

Added to glossary by Bubo Coroman (X)
Oct 18, 2012 18:39
11 yrs ago
Catalan term

la llengua suma

Catalan to English Art/Literary Education / Pedagogy slogan for Catalan language course for English speakers
this is a slogan which comes within a promotional letter (in Spanish) for Catalan courses for English speakers resident in Mallorca. Many thanks in advance for all ideas.
Proposed translations (English)
4 language provides additional value
3 a language for all

Discussion

Bubo Coroman (X) (asker) Oct 18, 2012:
@ Montse In the end I've gone for "language adds up" because besides the negative connotation I mentioned, it has at least one positive one - "the figures add up" means the figures are correct and figuratively, the idea makes sense, which is just what they're getting at, as you've pointed out! The poster said it all, thanks again.
Alistair Ian Spearing Ortiz Oct 18, 2012:
I like Montse's idea!
Montse Ballesteros Oct 18, 2012:
What about "languages count" or "Catalan counts"? Just another idea.
Montse Ballesteros Oct 18, 2012:
I found the poster after I submitted my proposal but that idea was the first thing that came to my mind, also "language adds value". Perhaps something in the line of "Languages enrich life/the mind", but before discussing it any further, I think you should better find out whether they are going to use the slogan together with that image or not. If not, then you have more options.
Bubo Coroman (X) (asker) Oct 18, 2012:
@ Montse thanks so much for the link to the poster... is it a play on words do you think? The adding up on the blackboard and adding in a figurative sense? Looking at the blackboard "language adds up" comes to mind, however for me that has negative connotations: "it all adds up" means the cost of living these days is so high (utilities, food bill all add up)
Montse Ballesteros Oct 18, 2012:
I have found this poster. http://www.normalitzacio.cat/activitat/index.php?sec=activit...
Maybe Tim is right about his comment, but for instance if the same poster is going to be used, the slogan should relate to the image.

Proposed translations

4 mins
Selected

language provides additional value

As I see it, this is the idea implied in the slogan.

Good luck!

Montse

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Note added at 5 minutos (2012-10-18 18:44:36 GMT)
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Speaking the local language provides additional value.

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Note added at 1 día18 horas (2012-10-20 13:02:14 GMT) Post-grading
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Thanks a lot, Deborah!
Peer comment(s):
neutral Timothy Barton : I think it needs to be something more succint. Something short an sweet. I don't think getting the precise meaning is the key here.
4 mins
Something went wrong...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "excellent detective work, many thanks"
5 mins

a language for all

It's a tough one. I suggest do a brainstorm and propose several options to your client, perhaps adding literal translations back into Catalan. If possible try to speak to the people who came up with the slogan and ask them exactly what they had in mind when they created it.

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Note added at 6 mins (2012-10-18 18:45:39 GMT)
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"Our language, your language"?
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