h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

If I'm the only one around here that feels they might be able to take on this task, then I'm afraid King Alfred would be very disappointed in us all:

'Swǣ clǣne hīo wæs oðfeallenu on Angelcynne ðæt swīðe fēawa wǣron behionan Humbre ðe hiora ðēninga cūðen understondan on Englisc oððe furðum ān ǣrendgewrit of Lǣdene on Englisc āreccan'

'So completely was [wisdom] fallen off in England that there were very few this side of the Humber who could understand their services in English or furthermore translate a letter from Latin into English.'


Oh, the state of learning in England!

yep

I'm starting to think I'm it.

I wish we could help here in-house but we don't know any Latin - we're two comprehensive boys. Is there anyone else out there can possibly help?

Couldn't you ask Stephen Fry?

I'm still planning on doing my best, Montana.

Well, to be honest, it's a very big thing to ask of someone to translate a twelve-page document for free. Especially if it requires specialist knowledge like this.

Kudos to you if you're going to do it, Anhaga, but I don't think the lack of replies is surprising.

'I don't think the lack of replies is surprising.'

I think that any reply was surprising, particularly my own.

I'm anticipating it as a bit of brush up exercise -- if I ever get the text.

ask and you shall receive!

I know I'm asking a lot. If you could just give me the jist of things, even, that would be awesome. And you know I'm good for a serious number of pints the next time I'm on that side of the pondÉ

http://missoularedhead.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/doctrina-de-modo-procendendi-contra-hereticos/

I thought we were on the same side of the pond.


I'm going to have a quick look before I start laundry, dinner, plans for two or three shows, etc.

well. That looks exceptionally dull.


Time to start dinner.

we are. For some reason, I thought we weren't. Well, that makes things easier...

Have been following this conversation. My husband is a Latin teacher, but his English wouldn't be up to it. And the length of it is rather daunting, especially for someone in full time employment. Very sorry I can't help. I hope Anhaga manages.

It's just such a shame that this can't be dealt with, seeings as we are in the very place where the babelfish was invented.

What about we involve all hootooers? Everybody translates just one word, and voila

well, that's a thoughtÉ

Good thinking, toybox. I'll do the ampersand, which translates as &

There, that'll get you all off to a quick start

about two hundred of you lot can take a rest -- I've already done your share.

And now a word from the Roman Bricklayers Union...

"This union site has worked safely and accident free for X days. Up the RBU!"


~jwf~

I'd just like to say that one of the best hangover cures I've yet found is to start the day with a couple of hours butchering Medieval Latin.

Really, everyone should try it.