Lost in translation?

I noticed this sign on a gate outside a local government building.  But what does it mean?  The English is awkward: "I learned all kinds of drivers?"

Actally, the Thai notice translates as: "No learner drivers of any kind are allowed in here!"  Something of a translation fail, then.  This is quite a common occurence  - and some translation mistakes are more amusing than others.  One of  my favourites is a sign at Suwarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, announcing that the priority immigration lane is reserved for, among others, 'pregnant men.' 

It's easy to laugh at such signs.  But reflecting further, it's also clear that spectacular communications failures aren't limited to public notices. In the barbers last month, we were discussing the various New Year festivals celebrated in Thailand - Chinese, Karen, Thai, Western.  Then the Thai barber said to me, 'I really like your (Western) New Year celebration - but it's got a different name, hasn't it?  Oh yes - Christmas!'

How did our communication fail so badly?  Nearly 185 years after the first Protestant missionaries arrived in Thailand, the gospel has been preached far and wide throughout this country.  We have proclaimed the message of Christmas - "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11)"  But how did the barber hear, "Christmas is the West's cultural expression of the universally celebrated New Year festival?"   Indeed, why is Christmas marked in Bangkok with snowmen on hotel roofs?  How's that for an example of being 'Lost in Translation?'

Snowmen in 30 degree Bangkok - Christmas?

"I learned all kinds of drivers?"  It seems relatively clear in comparison...!

A time of mourning

I wrote last week about Siloam Bible School's graduation service, which took place on Sunday (3rd March).  It was a great day - as expected, a day full of celebration and where the whole community came together to praise God for the achievements of the 14 young graduates.

Within hours of the graduation service ending, however, we received some tragic news.  David, a member of the local church here, had been involved in a serious motorbike accident.  He died later that evening.  David was 49 years old, a familiar figure around the area, and leaves behind a wife and two young children.  Over the past three days, we have again seen the Karen community coming together - not for celebration this time, but to mourn the loss of a friend, and to support his wife and children.

David's funeral was hosted by our local church. Christian Karen funerals typically take place over three or four days, which allows time for relatives and friends who live some distance away to arrive. I attended worship services on Monday and Tuesday evening, where we prayed for David's family, and gave thanks for his life.

As is traditional, the coffin was placed at the front of the church, with flowers and bright flashing fairy lights arranged around it.  The opening hymn on Tuesday evening was the Karen translation of 'In the sweet by and by'.  Continuing the strong Karen musical tradition, the preacher sang parts of three different songs during his sermon - including 'Home where I belong' in English. It was a simple, but powerful service.

After the service, the whole congregation shared a meal together.  On Wednesday morning,  there was another worship service and opportunity for anyone to speak if they wished.  Then, following another meal, a procession accompanied David's coffin from the church up the hill to the Christian graveyard, where the funeral concluded with a short ceremony.

Please pray for David's wife and children - aged 10 and 12 years old - as they adjust today to the reality of the loss they have suffered.