A blog about Japan, not about myself

[uchimizu]

Hi,
I started a blog in French about Japan a few months ago, and I received quite good feedback, so I am in the middle of translating it into English.

My goal is to write one or two interesting stories about the country every week, and to share with you some of my pictures.

I have been living a few years in Japan, and had many experiences there, as a student, intern, expat, tourist, and friend.

First stories I translated are an introduction to Japan boiled down in 3 numbers, Hikes near Tokyo, and the pension scandal. Other stories are in the translation pipe about the Japanese New Year, driving, the Yaeyama islands.

Your feedback is especially welcome. As I am not a native speaker, do not hesitate to point me to ugly sentences in my text, so that I can correct them before the next reader comes.

The link to the site is in my signature.

[NattyBumppo]

Your blog has lovely pictures and is extremely informative. However, the style of many of your posts seems a little dry- too much information and not enough personal opinion. I think that putting more of yourself into your blog entries could help it to be better.

Your English isn't bad at all (it's definitely understandable), but there are still enough little mistakes and strange word choices that it sounds unnatural. It's a little hard for me to read (I have to read it slowly), and it's not only one or two sentences, but rather, the whole blog. I'm enjoying reading your blog en français, though.

I'm sorry if that sounds discouraging! :frown: I think that you just need a good editor.

[uchimizu]

Hi,

thank you very much for this feedback.

As I saw several times in my professional life, translation is indeed a difficult topic.

I have a few ideas how to improve it though. I started by putting all the French in an automatic translator, and then correcting the English result by hand, which is the way I saw professional translators doing. However, I suspect it does not provide very "natural" output. I will try to do it from scratch by hand this time. Maybe the result will be more natural.

I believe that by an editor, you mention a native English speaker reviewing the text. I believe there is no such thing as an electronic editor, unfortunately....

Would be glad to hear about similar translation issues.

Your blog has lovely pictures and is extremely informative. However, the style of many of your posts seems a little dry- too much information and not enough personal opinion. I think that putting more of yourself into your blog entries could help it to be better.

Your English isn't bad at all (it's definitely understandable), but there are still enough little mistakes and strange word choices that it sounds unnatural. It's a little hard for me to read (I have to read it slowly), and it's not only one or two sentences, but rather, the whole blog. I'm enjoying reading your blog en français, though.

I'm sorry if that sounds discouraging! :frown: I think that you just need a good editor.

[uchimizu]

I just celebrated a few weeks ago the 10th anniversary of my first trip to Japan. I still remember landing at Kansai airport in the wet summer, the narrow expressways, and my very small hotel room.

I write a story about those 10 years in Japan (http://uchimizu-en.blogspot.com/2008/09/10-years-in-japan.html)that may be of interest to you.

[jayantadeka]

a very good effort.. i could hav also given my id to you bt html posting is not allowed till for me... hope to get more posts soon...

jdodyssey.blogspot.com

[tamada]

thanks

this blogis good

[uchimizu]

Thanks to you all, the blog has just reached a year. Last stories are about Japanese couples (http://uchimizu-en.blogspot.com/2008/11/japanese-couples.html), Nikko under the snow (http://uchimizu-en.blogspot.com/2008/12/nikko-under-snow.html), and International couples with a Japanese partner (http://uchimizu-en.blogspot.com/2008/12/international-couples-with-japanese.html).

As always, your comment and feedback on what is OK and what should be improved is especially appreciated.

[dreamer]

Congratulations ^^
At least your blog gives me some occupation here =)

[Nattotoast]

beautiful blog!

I have been making blog too, but my blog has no nice pictures as you have on your blog..
I will pop in your blog sometimes again!

:-)

[vthanh_88]

Allway come to blog :D