Comments on: Create a harmonious society and receive 5,000 yuan! http://www.beijingnewspeak.com/2007/08/14/create-a-harmonious-society-and-receive-5000-yuan/ Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:38:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Chris O'Brien http://www.beijingnewspeak.com/2007/08/14/create-a-harmonious-society-and-receive-5000-yuan/#comment-4005 Chris O'Brien Wed, 15 Aug 2007 12:34:57 +0000 http://www.beijingnewspeak.com/2007/08/14/create-a-harmonious-society-and-receive-5000-yuan/#comment-4005 I can see the phrase "Youuuuuu've been harmonized!" said in the style of an enthusiastic, and slightly manic, American game show host (bringing The Running Man to mind) catching on in time for the Olympics. Phil: Strange actually, the official translation has always been "scientific concept of development", which is what it said when the copy left my desk. The releaser appears to have changed it to "scientific thinking on development" so maybe the powers that be have had one of their translation meetings. Perhaps, scientific concept of development just wasn't sexy enough - or not as sexy as "jiang wenming shu xin feng ying ao yun" (be civilized, promote new atmosphere to welcome the Olympics). Lazy Aussie: a fine idea - I was preparing to write a post on how Xinhua needs to go tabloid in order to survive so I'll make the necessary suggestions tomorrow. I can see the phrase “Youuuuuu’ve been harmonized!” said in the style of an enthusiastic, and slightly manic, American game show host (bringing The Running Man to mind) catching on in time for the Olympics.

Phil: Strange actually, the official translation has always been “scientific concept of development”, which is what it said when the copy left my desk. The releaser appears to have changed it to “scientific thinking on development” so maybe the powers that be have had one of their translation meetings. Perhaps, scientific concept of development just wasn’t sexy enough - or not as sexy as “jiang wenming shu xin feng ying ao yun” (be civilized, promote new atmosphere to welcome the Olympics).

Lazy Aussie: a fine idea - I was preparing to write a post on how Xinhua needs to go tabloid in order to survive so I’ll make the necessary suggestions tomorrow.

]]> By: The Lazy Aussie http://www.beijingnewspeak.com/2007/08/14/create-a-harmonious-society-and-receive-5000-yuan/#comment-4001 The Lazy Aussie Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:21:57 +0000 http://www.beijingnewspeak.com/2007/08/14/create-a-harmonious-society-and-receive-5000-yuan/#comment-4001 I think it would be easier to collect bulk flies. Any word on the tonnage collected yet? That might be a good follow up. I think it would be easier to collect bulk flies. Any word on the tonnage collected yet? That might be a good follow up.

]]> By: Phil http://www.beijingnewspeak.com/2007/08/14/create-a-harmonious-society-and-receive-5000-yuan/#comment-4000 Phil Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:05:44 +0000 http://www.beijingnewspeak.com/2007/08/14/create-a-harmonious-society-and-receive-5000-yuan/#comment-4000 scientific thinking on development - I like it. Translating slogans is always a mare. Wenming chengshi was my particular bete noire. Is this one "official"? scientific thinking on development - I like it. Translating slogans is always a mare. Wenming chengshi was my particular bete noire. Is this one “official”?

]]> By: Will http://www.beijingnewspeak.com/2007/08/14/create-a-harmonious-society-and-receive-5000-yuan/#comment-3993 Will Wed, 15 Aug 2007 06:01:07 +0000 http://www.beijingnewspeak.com/2007/08/14/create-a-harmonious-society-and-receive-5000-yuan/#comment-3993 I particularly like how the word "harmonized" (as in "I've been harmonized") has become a bitterly ironic synonym for censorship and heavy-handed state management: "What happened to all those articles about crappy food products?" "They've been 'harmonized' by GAAP." "That's a relief." Yep, I'm sleeping easier in the glow of harmony and scientific development. I particularly like how the word “harmonized” (as in “I’ve been harmonized”) has become a bitterly ironic synonym for censorship and heavy-handed state management:

“What happened to all those articles about crappy food products?”
“They’ve been ‘harmonized’ by GAAP.”
“That’s a relief.”

Yep, I’m sleeping easier in the glow of harmony and scientific development.

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