A fragrant potted plumeria I walked past yesterdayLet me save some time for folks who might take me to task by saying today's subject matter is in no way intended to denigrate, make fun of or belittle anyone's attempt to deal with the English language; especially the good people of Thailand, as my knowledge of their language could rest unnoticed in your eye.
However, yesterday morning I saw a laminated notice during breakfast at the Lek Hotel that warrants sharing. It was in regards to tipping individual employees in the dining area, and while tipping overall isn't a common Thai way - and isn't practiced fairly by some tourists when it is appropriate - they were trying to discourage tipping any of the staff directly. The translation was a noble effort:
"In our restaurant business consisting of many staff such as waiter waitress cashier bar boy cook steward including cleaner. Every one of then try to do their best for their assign job daily with fully attend and delegate. In the case of the customers prefer, happy or appetizer with our food and service.
They always give us some tips and we instruct our staff to put every coin of their your tips to the tips box. These money will be divided equivalent to everyone. The smiling on their face and inspiration in their eyes happen every time they receive the tips either less or more.
If you want to give your special tips to some one of us. To avoid misunderstanding from other staff. Please let us know by fill down the paper form. This will make us have adequate reason to explain to other and also have enough reason to evaluate the good performance of one who receive your tip.
Of cause in case of you not happy with our food and service please leave us your complain in the tips box.
However we promise to keep on our standard of food and service as the best as we can.
Yours truly
The Management."
My personal guess would be that the "smiling on their face and inspiration in their eyes" dims a bit if and when the complaints are discussed at a staff meeting, but that's just my opinion, either less or more.
I'm noting other fine examples of translation as I go along here this trip and I'll share more another day. Please feel free to share any favorites you've seen in Thailand via the comments section.
2 comments:
Here in my apartment complex in MN there is rarely a notice posted with both correct spelling and grammar. Our condo manager was born here!
Plumeria ... commonly known as Frangipani (citrus scented).
Michael, that's a sad indictment of your building manager. I don't think you are alone though. Seems like grammar and usage of, is not a high priority when telling people not to pee in the lift and to take their trash with them.
Hope you are well.
Cheers
Krobbie
Keith
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