Hi. I am an amateur translator. I just started it. I am supposed to translate a novel called "A singular man", but there are some that confuses me. could you help me?
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1.
he picked up the letter between his fingertips with that touch of scorn goverment officials have for the fanciful formats of private correspondence
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What does "with that ouch of scorn goverment officials have for the fanciful formats of private correspondence" mean??
2.
I am acting from no motive other than my personal convenience.
---> what does it mean???? No ~ other than? is this an idom?
Please don't just pass away from me and hlep me.
From droven crazy by English
2006-09-15 14:44:22 · 4 answers · asked by knie777 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Here is my interpretation:
1. The author is trying to convey this man's (a gov't official, I gather) disgust (?) for ordinary people sending ornate cards and letters.
2. "The only reason I'm doing this is because it's simpler for me."
Of course, I am unsure of their context. I hope I am some help!
2006-09-15 15:00:15 · answer #1 · answered by mzindica 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you try something easier to translate. I'm not saying that you won't be able to do it eventually, you just need to work up to what you are reading right now.
The author is saying that the charactar is making fun of (in a mean way in his head) the fact that the government officials use such involved ways to use with their private mail.
2006-09-15 21:57:05 · answer #2 · answered by Missy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1 would be like 'Snatched the letter up'
2 would be 'I'm doing it for myself'
2006-09-15 21:53:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1 means
he didn't want to pick it up because he doesn't like the kind of letter it is.
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another way to say 2 would be
I am doing this for no reason except it is easy for me
2006-09-15 23:47:10 · answer #4 · answered by Nabi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋