Earthcache translations

[+Crazedllama]

I know it is a requirement for Earthcaches to be translated into a local language. I fully support that, I speak two languages and take care to be accurate with my Earthcaches in both languages.

I came across an Earthcache while browsing where the description and even the questions were so badly translated that it changed what was being said and taught. It was obvious that Google had done the entire translation.

 

I propose that especially vacation Earthcaches, require a real person who speaks the local language to at minimum proofread an Earthcache description to ensure its accuracy.

 

What does everyone else think?

[+arisoft]

I was visiting an earthcache with three languages: Finnish, English and German. I didn't understand the Finish version neither the english version. After reading the german version I understood what the task really was. The cache was so called vacation cache.

 

I didn't get upset because of these difficulties. I have seen worse eathcaches without translation problems

 

You shouldn't take things too seriously, this is just a hobby for both cache makers and finders.

[+Crazedllama]

On 6/3/2024 at 12:46 PM, arisoft said:

You shouldn't take things too seriously, this is just a hobby for both cache makers and finders.

 

It's a requirement for Earthcaches to be translated to the local language. So locals should be able to read them right? Not everyone speaks several languages. Hence the requirement.

 

I contacted the owner of the Earthcache in question and offered to provide a better translation which they accepted. It was easy for me to send a message. I'm not sure why reaching out to a local to proofread is so difficult. Any other vacation cache requires reaching out to a local.

 

It just seems like the right thing to do so the people you're trying to educate with an Earthcache can understand what you're educating them about.

[+arisoft]

1 hour ago, Crazedllama said:

I'm not sure why reaching out to a local to proofread is so difficult.

 

It may be difficult because you don't know local people andcCache owners are generally trying to put the cache out with minimum effort. Anyway, you are right. Translations should be correct and easy to understand.

[+hzoi]

On 6/3/2024 at 12:24 PM, Crazedllama said:

I came across an Earthcache while browsing where the description and even the questions were so badly translated that it changed what was being said and taught. It was obvious that Google had done the entire translation.

 

Something like this may warrant a Needs Reviewer Attention log, if the cache owner doesn't take you up on your offer.

 

It would surprise me if a CO didn't want a better translation for their cache. I reached out to some local cachers for our Norwegian EC when the rule changed to get a translation. I didn't have to, the rule wasn't retroactive, but I thought it'd be courteous to offer local cachers the option of logging an EC in their backyard in their language.