Experian Gts - Lost In Translation | Attempts: 196

1.

Do you have any other examples where something you've heard has been 'lost in translation'?
2.

In the UK a colleague might ask “what’s the rationale behind that decision?” what do they mean?
- A.
  
  "She/he likes my idea and wants to understand how I had such a brilliant idea"
- B.
  
  "I'm not sure what you mean"
- C.
  
  "Bad idea, try again!"
- D.
  
  "You are a fantastic thinker, help me understand your process, so that I may emulate you in future"
Correct Answer
C. "Bad idea, try again!"

Explanation
The folks in the UK are famous for not saying what they mean!

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3.

The Costa Rican Spanish word Paciencia means?
- A.
  
  Comprehensive
- B.
  
  Comprehension
- C.
  
  Patience
- D.
  
  All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the above

Explanation
The Spanish word for ‘patience’ also translates to ‘comprehension or comprehensive’. So CR guys might say thank you for your comprehension, which may be taken one way, when they mean ‘thank you for your patience’ which may be taken a different way.

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4.

The UK saying 'Starter for 10' often used in project kickoff meetings or emails originates from?
- A.
  
  The TV Quiz University Challange
- B.
  
  The popular Harry Potter books
- C.
  
  Snooker or Billiards
- D.
  
  Politics
Correct Answer
A. The TV Quiz University Challange

Explanation
It's terminology used in a very popular TV quiz show - University Challenge. It's very intellectual. Two teams are in competition. They are asked a common question. The team that gets the correct answer then goes on to three further questions. The starter question is worth 10 points - hence the phrase, and the other three questions 5 points each. It a yearly battle between 24 teams.

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5.

In which of these countries might the common 'thumbs up' signal be offensive?
- A.
  
  Latin America, West Africa,Greece, Russia, Sardinia and the south of Italy
- B.
  
  The UK, North America
- C.
  
  France, Germany, The Netherlands and Bulgaria
- D.
  
  China, Malaysia and India
Correct Answer
A. Latin America, West Africa,Greece, Russia, Sardinia and the south of Italy

Explanation
While Western culture has become used to the thumbs-up as a positive, informal signal, generally indicating a job well done, there are cultures where a thumbs-up may land you in trouble. In most of Latin America and West Africa, as well as Greece, Russia, Sardinia and the south of Italy, the thumbs-up basically means the same as the middle finger.

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6.

If a colleague in Norway asks you to meet them at 'half five' when should you turn up?
- A.
  
  17:30
- B.
  
  16:30
- C.
  
  Who knows!
Correct Answer
B. 16:30

Explanation
“Half five” meaning the meeting should start at 17.30. In Norway “half five” is 16.30 as the “half” is always prior to the hour. If you say “five thirty” that's the same as 17.30 in Norway.

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7.

In the UK the word 'Cheers' is used to say....
- A.
  
  Thanks
- B.
  
  You are welcome
- C.
  
  Bye
- D.
  
  Toasting before drinks
- E.
  
  All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the above

Explanation
In the UK 'Cheers' can mean all of the above. It is also very commonly used with more than a hint of sarcasm!

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8.

A Fortnight is 2 weeks
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
A fortnight is a unit of time equal to 14 days (2 weeks). The word derives from the Old English: fēowertyne niht, meaning "fourteen nights".[1][2] Fortnight and fortnightly are commonly used words in the English-speaking world, where many wages and salaries and most social security benefits are paid on a fortnightly basis,[3] except North America, where it is rare outside of some Canadian regions and insular traditional communities (e.g. Amish) in the United States. American and Canadian payroll systems may use the term biweekly in reference to pay periods every two weeks. Neither term should be confused with semimonthly (in one year there are 26 fortnightly or biweekly versus 24 semimonthly pay periods).

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Experian Gts - Lost In Translation

Do you have any other examples where something you've heard has been 'lost in translation'?

In the UK a colleague might ask “what’s the rationale behind that decision?” what do they mean?

The Costa Rican Spanish word Paciencia means?

The UK saying 'Starter for 10' often used in project kickoff meetings or emails originates from?

In which of these countries might the common 'thumbs up' signal be offensive?

If a colleague in Norway asks you to meet them at 'half five' when should you turn up?

In the UK the word 'Cheers' is used to say....

A Fortnight is 2 weeks

**In the UK the word 'Cheers' is used to say....**