Towka Wrote:When the book was first published (somewhen in the 80ies), mobile/cell phones were not commonly in use in germany and were called "Mobiltelephone", I think the translator refers to a certain amount of "handieness" (as in soing sth. handy). This way he evades the trouble the "repairman/handwerker" and "fix-it/??" situation could cause. Very clever!
Or maybe the translator followed the bad habit many translators in germany have: When it comes to short, meaningful phrases, they tend to change the englsih phrase into another english phrase of which they think it's more understandable for the majority (here we get around to the AE "mobile", BE "cell" and GE (or denglish) "handy").
Yes, I wrote mobiletelephone, because, in America the word "handy" is not in use, is it?
It's a german creation, so always said by our teachers.
and "fix it/???" is ??? = reparieren (to repair) I would say
Furthermore, I think the german translation is good. Handyman Jack means, that you can call him if you have a problem, and he will "fix-it"
So, it's not bad, but it's the same like movies, the english originals are ALWAYS better! That's a fact. Someone who sais something against it, can't speak english or never tried watching an original movie...
So, repairman Jack is better in my eyes, it is the idea standing behind all that stuff, it's exactly what the author wants, because it is from the author. Translations are sometimes a little bit improvised because...that's the reason.
So, now i forgot what I wanted to say. But, I said enough
I hope I haven't done too many grammar mistakes ^^
cya