lost in translation

Two of my friends posted messages using foreign languages on Facebook. The first one was in German. I clicked the "Like" button to show my appreciation. This friend works in an NGO, co-owns a garment business, takes care of her husband and two kids, and being able to squeeze in classes at Goethe Institut in her already tight schedule I applauded her for the great endurance and impeccable time management skills. The second friend wrote in French. I noticed two errors so I sent a private message informing him of the mistakes. Seconds later, I got a reply. "That's how Google Translate did it," he said. I soon found out that my friends have just discovered the supposed wonders of the new online application.  

GT does not have my confidence, yet. It's new; it's still in its infancy. It's bound to create mistakes. Last year I had the dialogues of my film translated to Italian. Even though GT was free and convenient, I knew exactly that I needed a real person for the job. Someone who breathes, eats and knows what he's talking about. Not a computer application. I guess it will take years before GT can produce acceptable translation. I don't think that's the point, either. It's supposed to be a reference, a tool to provide an elementary understanding of texts written in a foreign language.

To prove that the translation is poor, I conducted an experiment by translating English phrases and sentences to Filipino. I wish I could post the translated 'bastos' texts here. They're hilarious.

Did Google hire Kris Aquino as their language consultant for this?

This one is clearly the work of Jimmy Santos. 

The message is loud and clear.