My response to The Hartford Courant’s “Spanish-language strategy” with Google Translate
Como una cortesía para The Courant, por demostrando ignorancia y falta de respeto a su propia comunidad, déjeme decir: lo cagaron.
If you were to translate this using Google Translate, guess what… it would be wrong. Anyone who is bilingual wouldn’t be surprised. But they would be surprised in hearing that a news organization would solely depend on using this primitive service as their “Spanish-language strategy.”
Sadly, this isn’t a joke: Hartford Courant’s Spanish site is Google Translate by Poynter
But, instead of just being disgusted or insulted by The Courant’s “strategy,” let me offer some tips for an actual strategy:
2. I know resources are tight, as an affordable alternative to hiring more staff, partner up with the local Spanish-language news organizations. Believe me, they are there. And they’d love to help you inform the community. (Hey Courant, have to tried working with Connecticut’s Latino News Source: ctlatinonews.com?)
3. No Spanish-language news organization in your town? Look again. Think radio, newsletters or neighboring towns. Any of these will be better than an automated site.
4. Still confused? Reach out to the National Association of Hispanic Journalists to find local members in your area, including Spanish-language news organizations.
5. But, let’s say there are no Spanish-language news outlets. Partner up with the largest, Spanish-language local business. They know their community and are fully aware of the information network that is functioning now.
Lastly, apologize to the fastest growing demographic in your community for treating them with such little respect. It’s not a smart business move to belittle them, especially if you want to tap into their growing influence.
I preach experimentation, risk taking and embracing failure. You experimented and took a risk… and you failed. Oh, did you fail.
Learn from your big mistake and start genuinely engaging with your own diverse community.
Do you have any tips for The Courant or any other news organization trying to serve its Latino community? Please share them in the comments.
Oh, and if you are wondering, here’s how I’d translate my statement:
As a courtesy to The Courant, for displaying its ignorance and lack of respect to its own community, let me say: you fucked up.
¡Gravísimo error! ¿Por qué aspirar a querer hacer algo si no cuentan con el dinero o los recursos? Mejor que no hagan nada. El aspecto humano en la traducción de idiomas no puede ser sustituido por un servicio en línea y, para colmo, gratuito.
“Por demonstrando” is not correct. Did you mean “por haber demonstrado”?
Oh the irony….
Nope… I meant por demonstrando.
Un ejemplo mas de la expresion lo barato siempre sale caro.
@Diana Caballero
Total lack of professionalism. Univision is looking to get in the English market. Why not help them and yourself by contacting your nearest Univision station? Another example of the expression Penny wise pound foolish.
@Robert it would be por demonstrar. @Nemo Give Robert a break he probably not a native speaker.
Thanks… I transfered to high school in El Salvador from Los Angeles as a sophomore. I grew up speaking Spanish, but more of a US version… and my grammar was not good. But, besides that, I hope I got my point across.