Lost in Translation

[TheOstrich]

There's a lot been said recently about the English being lowly-ranked when it comes to being bilingual, and of course the Northern Ireland Irish Language legislation.

The Times reports today that the Welsh cannot post on Trip Advisor in their own language, and the article also gave three further "bon mots" where difficulties arose:

In 2014, a bi-lingual road sign was put up in the Principality aimed at cyclists.
The English version was "Dismount!"
The Welsh version read "Bladder disease has returned!"

Asda in Cwmbran caused a lot of confusion in its drinks department.
The English version was "Alcohol Free"
The Welsh version read "Free alcohol"

A Swansea council worker constructed a sign barring access to a particular road.
The English version was "No entry for heavy goods vehicles. Residential site only"
The Welsh version read "I'm not in the office at this moment. Send any work for translation"
He had emailed a Welsh translation service, got an automated reply, and thought it was the real thing!

[cromwell]

[Workingman]

I can understand how 2 & 3 could come about, but how "get off yer bike" becomes "Yer bladder's leaking" is a bit of a mystery.