> To the unilingual anglophones out there, trying to translate a single phrase
> with only a dictionary, and not understanding why the result could be wrong:
> have you ever listened to a foreigner trying to speak english? Preferably
> one with little experience, and no particular linguistic talent?

Ah, Arlie... the voice of reason!

> They make an amazing collection of errors, and the results range from
> correct, to stilted, to peculiar, to confusing, to incoherent. I believe
> that what Haukur and others are trying to tell you, is that this is what
> you sound like, when you attempt literal translation.
>
> For example, the english noun "sharp" can mean intelligent, physically
> suitable for cutting, or tending to blunt and unkind speech. As an adjective,
> it can also refer to a kind of thief, as in the phrase "card sharp".

Good... great, in fact! Concise and to the point, critical logic is
intact and language is eloquent.

> Likewise, the english noun axe can refer to a guitar, a weapon, or a tool
> suitable for chopping. As a verb, it can refer to chopping or, more commonly
> to removing something from a plan or program.
>
> Now take the potential nickname "SharpAxe" ... which would be seen
> as awkward even in english ... and translate with a dictionary ...
> you might just end up with SmartMusicalInstrument. Oops...
>
> And that's before you get into the problem of awkward, stilted
> phrasing. Should that be "Joe SharpAxe" or "Joe of the Sharp Axe"
> or "Sharp Axe Joe" or "Joe the Axe"? Some of these possibilities
> will sound more or less stilted. Some will be nonsense: "Joe Axe The Sharp"?!
> Some will say what you don't intend "Axe Sharp Joe". Add a few spelling
> and grammar mistakes, and it gets even better "Ask Joe's Harp"?!

Hahahahaha! Funny and informative at once. Good show! Well done!

> I believe what Haukur is trying to say is that this is the kind of thing
> you are creating. Except he's trying to explain the specific errors you
> are making, and confusing you in the process ... as if I tried to explain
> to some linguistically clueless icelander why "Harold Hair Pretty" is
> not a legitimate translation of "Harold Hárfagr", yet "Harold Fair Hair"
> is perfectly OK.

You know... this is the kind of response I wanted to write, but I have a
bit of a temprament problem that gets in the way. This was clear,
concise, entertaining, and informative all at once. It shows a clear
head for the problem and an adequate solution.

Thank you, Arlie!