Global edition of French paper cuts costs, leaves readers in stitches
Posted by Emily Dilling on July 10, 2009 at 10:25 AM
French business paper La Tribune has launched an online edition that will be available in six languages by the end of the year, AFP reported.
However, in an effort to cut back on spending, the online content is translated not by professionals, but using automatic software, which has resulted in confusing, and often comical, translations of headlines and stories. "The Chinese car in ambush" and "Internet Explorer: mistrust!" are two examples of awkwardly translated headlines taken from La Tribune's Web site.
However, in an effort to cut back on spending, the online content is translated not by professionals, but using automatic software, which has resulted in confusing, and often comical, translations of headlines and stories. "The Chinese car in ambush" and "Internet Explorer: mistrust!" are two examples of awkwardly translated headlines taken from La Tribune's Web site.
Astrid Arbey, the paper's head of new media, said plans had been made to work out the translation software's kinks, and that continual updates should lead to "almost perfect" articles.
The paper has been unwilling to take on additional journalists, editors and translators to generate and quality check content, which may have a negative effect on the paper's image. Industry professionals have pointed out that the move could tarnish the reputation of the well-respected publication, according to AFP.
The site currently offers stories translated into English, German, Spanish and Italian, with plans to add Japanese and Chinese before the year's end.
The paper has been unwilling to take on additional journalists, editors and translators to generate and quality check content, which may have a negative effect on the paper's image. Industry professionals have pointed out that the move could tarnish the reputation of the well-respected publication, according to AFP.
The site currently offers stories translated into English, German, Spanish and Italian, with plans to add Japanese and Chinese before the year's end.
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