Can you translate Glaswegian?

[mc_squared]

London translation company seeks fluent speakers of ‘Glaswegian English’

 

A translation company has placed an advertisement in a Glasgow newspaper seeking Glaswegian interpreters.

“Translation company seeks speakers of ‘Glaswegian English’ with knowledge of vocabulary, accent, nuances, to meet interpreting needs of clients who find it an unexpected challenge,” it read. A proud Glaswegian might reply indignantly: “Awayinbileyirheid, yabamye.” (“I must take exception to the position you are taking.”)

Today Translations, based in London, said that it had placed the advert in response to requests from visitors and foreign businessmen. The company said that Glasgow was the only city in the UK for which it had sought interpreters, although Liverpool and Newcastle were possibly next on the list.

Jurga Zilinskiene, the owner of the company, is a Lithuanian who has lived in Britain for many years and speaks fluent English. She told The Times yesterday that she ran into difficulties this summer when she was in Lanark on holiday and spent some time with Glaswegians.

 

She had particular difficulties over the meaning of the word “baltic”. Every Glaswegian knows that this the way to describe rotten seasonal temperatures but, to a Lithuanian, it can only refer to a well-known sea.

“We could have a laugh about it when we realised the misunderstanding ... but that was usually a good bit later,” Ms Zilinskiene said.

“It was a big eye opener. I found it quite challenging although I have lived in this country and spoken English for quite a few years and travelled a lot and usually I do get by with my English — but not with the Glaswegians.”

The job advert was laughed out of court by Alex Mosson, the former Lord Provost of Glasgow. “It’s a lot of tripe,” he said. “I travelled the world as Lord Provost and nobody failed to understand me.

“They will need different translators for different parts of the city. Folk in the Garngad don’t speak the same as South Siders. And as for the difference between Anderston and Bearsden ...”

Glaswegian phrases

A haufanahauf anpronto Quickly refresh me with a small whisky and a beer chaser

Cumoangetaff Encouragement to passenger to hasten their exit

Whisawrafussaboot? I can’t see why you fail to see reason on this matter

See him, he’s mentalbytheway Avoid that chap, he likes fighting

Geezemaginger Kindly pass me my carbonated water

Geeza punna burra furrra murra Give me a pound of butter for my mother

Plrrt on ra slate I’ll pay yez efter Put it on credit and I’ll pay you later

Gies a hon wi the messages Please help me with my groceries.

Wharlla stick ma wean’s buggie? Where’s the space for my child’s pushchair?

Awayyego, it’s nivir that dear! It can’t be that expensive!

[Petit Prince]

The company said that Glasgow was the only city in the UK for which it had sought interpreters, although Liverpool and Newcastle were possibly next on the list.

 

Scouse isn't that hard to understand. English isn't my first language either but I was ok after a few days. The same goes for Geordie really.

[Guest howyousawtheworld]

As I'm currently living in Glasgow at the moment (as a student) there is no problem for me here so far. Having said that being down in Glasgow for the Coldplay gig at the SECC in December (cost £160 for a return flight from where I live), after the show I was waiting for a bus and this ned who wasn't up for much was hanging around the bus stop. Then he went round each one of us who were waiting for the bus asking for something and I could barely make out a word he was saying. But I was a 100% certain he was asking for a cigarette but whether it was that or not, I just shook my head.

 

It's just Glasgow neds you need a translator for.

[mc_squared]

As I'm currently living in Glasgow at the moment (as a student) there is no problem for me here so far. Having said that being down in Glasgow for the Coldplay gig at the SECC in December (cost £160 for a return flight from where I live), after the show I was waiting for a bus and this ned who wasn't up for much was hanging around the bus stop. Then he went round each one of us who were waiting for the bus asking for something and I could barely make out a word he was saying. But I was a 100% certain he was asking for a cigarette but whether it was that or not, I just shook my head.

 

 

Well at least he didn't try to give you a Glaswegian kiss, I suppose............................ :rolleyes: