In my native Wales, it’s long been government policy for all roadsigns to be written in English and Welsh. Usually, that’s not a problem, until the sign maker cuts back on Welsh-speaking employees in an effort to reduce costs.
The above sign is fine in English, but the Welsh translation actually reads:
“I am not in the office at the moment. Please send any work to be translated”
Ah, the wonders of email!
Thanks to the BBC for the laugh.
Filed under: Bilingual gaffs