25 September 2023
Snippets from the routine of a busy translator who turns to ChatGPT for help
It’s 9 a.m., been working since 7:30 on a project by one of our important clients, a manufacturer of kitchen appliances and coffee machines. It’s going fine. Over the years I have learnt which knob to turn for grinding the beans, and how the tampering works, and all about frothing the milk and cleaning the steam wand. Most importantly, I am familiar with the terminology, and can always check against our termbase, or find an image. But of course there’s always a challenge when you least expect it. Here’s a term I’ve not come across before, a “baffle drip tray”. A quick search on Google does not come up with anything useful, and there is no time to ask the client and wait for their answer. Instead I turn to that omniscient friend and helper, ChatGPT.
Good morning, ChatGPT, please could you explain the difference between a BAFFLE DRIP TRAY and a GRID DRIP TRAY in the context of an espresso machine? (I get a response within 3 seconds):
Good morning! In the context of an espresso machine, both baffle drip trays and grid drip trays serve the same basic purpose, which is to catch and manage drips, spills, and excess water that can occur during the coffee-making process. However, there are some differences in their designs and functionality:
In summary, while both types of drip trays serve the same fundamental purpose of collecting drips and spills, baffle drip trays tend to be more complex in design and are used when precision in liquid management is crucial. Grid drip trays are simpler, easy to clean, and are often favored for their low maintenance. The choice between the two may depend on the specific design and functionality preferences of the espresso machine or coffee maker manufacturer.
That project delivered, my next assignment is even closer to my heart than coffee, it’s about skiing in the Swiss Alps. I am baffled by the phrase “earning my turns”, and am interested to hear what my friend ChatGPT makes of it:
Dear ChatGPT. In the context of winter skiing in the Alps, can you explain the meaning of this sentence, in particular the expression “earning my turn” in the sentence: “I am not one of those so obsessed with ‘earning my turns’ that I have given up on riding the lifts to ski a perfectly pristine piste.”
In the context of winter skiing in the Alps, the expression “earning my turn” refers to a specific approach to skiing that emphasizes self-powered ascents (usually by hiking or climbing) in order to reach the top of a slope before skiing down it.
In this context, “earning” implies putting in physical effort to ascend the mountain or slope on one’s own, often using climbing skins on skis or snowshoes to move uphill. This approach is favored by some skiers and snowboarders who enjoy the physical challenge, the solitude of the mountains, and the opportunity to access remote or untracked terrain that may not be easily reachable by ski lifts.
The sentence you provided suggests that the speaker is not so dedicated to the idea of “earning their turns” that they refuse to use ski lifts. Instead, they are willing to take advantage of the convenience and ease of using ski lifts to access well-groomed ski runs (“pristine piste”) alongside the option of earning their turns. Essentially, the speaker is open to both traditional lift-assisted skiing and the more strenuous approach of ascending under their own power.
I thought that was beautifully explained and thanked the bot emphatically.
You’re very welcome! I’m glad you found the explanation helpful. If you have any more questions or need further clarification on anything else, feel free to ask. Enjoy your skiing adventures in the Alps!
Dear GTP: Indeed, I am much looking forward to going skiing in the Alps as soon as snow conditions allow, but while we’re on the topic I’d like to pick your brain on another term. Please could you explain the concept of ‘switchback’ in the context of ski touring in the mountains, as in this sentence: “We try to walk with the skins on the skis and learn how to do switchbacks”.
Certainly! In the context of ski touring in the mountains, a “switchback” refers to a specific skiing technique used when ascending a steep or zigzagging slope while wearing skins on the skis. Switchbacks are a way to make a gradual and controlled ascent on challenging terrain.
Here’s how switchbacks work:
Switchbacks are a fundamental skill for backcountry skiers and ski tourers, as they allow for safe and manageable ascents on challenging mountain slopes. Learning how to do switchbacks effectively is important for both conserving energy and ensuring a successful ascent in mountainous terrain.
Thank you, that makes sense, totally get it. Would you happen to know the German technical term for it (I know it, of course, so for once I am just testing ‘him’).
In German, the term for “switchback” or the concept of using switchback turns during skiing in mountainous terrain is often referred to as “Spitzkehre” or “Kehre.” These terms are commonly used in the context of ski touring and mountaineering in German-speaking regions. “Spitzkehre” specifically denotes a sharp switchback turn used for ascending steep slopes in a zigzag manner while wearing skis with climbing skins.
Brilliant – that’s the term. Well done!
I’m glad I could help you find the term you were looking for! If you have any more questions or need further information, whether it’s related to skiing or any other topic, please feel free to ask.
My next assignment takes me somewhat out of my comfort zone. I am helping out with a Games assignment.
My dear Bot, sorry to trouble you again, please can you tell me in GERMAN what the connection between the artists Greg and Tim Hildebrandt and The Lord of the Rings calendar is?
Die Künstler Greg und Tim Hildebrandt sind bekannt für ihre Illustrationen und Kunstwerke, die in der Fantasy-Welt populär sind. Eine ihrer bemerkenswertesten Arbeiten in Bezug auf “Der Herr der Ringe” ist der “Herr der Ringe Kalender”.
Der “Herr der Ringe Kalender” ist ein illustrierter Kalender, der auf der epischen Fantasy-Saga von J.R.R. Tolkien basiert. Greg und Tim Hildebrandt wurden beauftragt, diesen Kalender zu gestalten und zu illustrieren. Die Brüder Hildebrandt sind für ihre fantastischen Gemälde und Illustrationen bekannt, und sie haben diese Fähigkeiten genutzt, um Szenen und Charaktere aus der Welt von “Der Herr der Ringe” zum Leben zu erwecken.
Ihre Illustrationen im “Herr der Ringe Kalender” sind bei Fans der Buchreihe und der Filme sehr beliebt und haben dazu beigetragen, die Magie und das visuelle Erlebnis von Tolkiens Werken auf eine neue Art und Weise zu präsentieren. Der Kalender zeigt verschiedene Szenen und Charaktere aus der Geschichte und ist ein beliebtes Sammlerstück für Fans von “Der Herr der Ringe”.
With that, I feel inspired and can get on with that assignment with much more confidence and creative energy. By the end of it, it’s mid- afternoon I’ve sat in front of my computer without a break and starting to feel somewhat drained. But hey, never a dull moment. The next assignment is about fine-dining.
Dear ChatGPT, can you provide me the correct translation into German of “Roasted fillet of line-caught sea bass with oscietra caviar” (from a dining menu in a fine restaurant). I’m sure you have access to a few menus of Michelin-starred restaurants?
Indeed I have. The correct translation of “Roasted fillet of line-caught sea bass with oscietra caviar” into German would be: “Gebratenes Filet vom wild gefangenen Wolfsbarsch mit Oscietra-Kaviar.” This translation conveys the dish’s description in German, highlighting the preparation method and ingredients.
To me, that seems to not quite descriptive enough in terms of the method used for catching the sea bass. Back to the Bot.
You think “line-caught” is correctly translated as “wild gefangen”? Is there no way of including the word “Leine” or “Langleine”?
You are correct; I apologize for any confusion. “Line-caught” typically refers to fish caught using a fishing method called “longline” or “angling,” which involves using a line (Leine) with baited hooks.
A more precise translation that includes the term “Leine” or “Langleine” could be: “Gebratenes Filet vom mit der Langleine gefangenen Wolfsbarsch mit Oscietra-Kaviar.” This version specifically mentions the fishing method, emphasizing the “Leine” or “Langleine” used in catching the sea bass.
Yepp, that captures it. Many thanks!
You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help you find the more accurate translation. If you have any more questions or need further assistance in the future, feel free to ask. Enjoy your dining experience!
Sadly, I am not about to go off to that fine dining experience. Another games needs an urgent translation.
Dear ChatGTP, I have a sentence here in a Game, spoken by one of the intrepid adventurers: “This is your first lesson in PUNNERY”. Can you make sense of this?
The sentence, “This is your first lesson in PUNNERY,” is likely a play on words or a pun itself. In this context, “pun” refers to a form of wordplay that involves using words that have a similar sound but different meanings, often for humorous or clever effect. “Punnery” is a humorous term coined from “pun” to describe the practice or art of creating puns.
So, when the adventurer says, “This is your first lesson in PUNNERY,” they are humorously suggesting that they are going to teach someone how to create puns or engage in wordplay. It’s a playful way of saying that wordplay or puns will be a part of the adventure or conversation.
Yes, thank you, that makes a lot of sense. I can do something with that.
By this time, quite frankly, I am a little overwhelmed by the intricacies of the adventurers’ quest and the names of creatures and items and skins, and running of creative steam. So much so that I simply can’t think of the German for “cairn”.
Dear ChatBot: In English a “cairn” seems to be a stack of stones that functions like a marker. Please can you help me out and tell me what the word in GERMAN is?
In German, a “cairn” or a stack of stones used as a marker is typically referred to as a “Steinmännchen” or “Steinmann” (plural: Steinmännchen or Steinmänner). These are often used in hiking, mountaineering, and trail marking to indicate a path, trail, or a specific direction.
Course it is, stupid me, just couldn’t think of the word, I am so glad I can rely on your help. And since your German is excellent, here is another one: How do the GERMANS say “a penny for your thoughts”? Is there a saying that conveys the same meaning?
In German, the equivalent saying for “a penny for your thoughts” is “Einen Groschen für deine Gedanken” or “Einen Pfennig für deine Gedanken.” Both phrases essentially mean the same thing, offering a small amount of currency in exchange for someone’s thoughts or what they are thinking. However, “Einen Groschen” refers to a Groschen, a historical German coin, while “Einen Pfennig” refers to a Pfennig, another type of historical German coin.
Brilliant, chatGPT! How can you come up with these answers so fast?
I’m here to assist you with information and answers as quickly as possible thanks to the vast amount of text and knowledge I’ve been trained on. If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask—I’m here to help!
I think we’ll have to stop now, night is falling. You’ve been of enormous help. Will be in touch tomorrow no doubt. Good night!
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