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Archiver > HUNGARY > 2001-06 > 0991836393


From: Beth Long <>
Subject: RE: [HUNGARY-L] Writing to Hungary
Date: Wed, 6 Jun 2001 07:06:33 -0700


Hi Joe,

I wasn't so much thinking of a "form letter" as having Adam take the
person's letter and edit it a little if necessary to respect Hungarian
cultural sensibilities. The way a Hungarian would write to a "long-lost
relative" might be considerably different from the way an American would do
it.

When we visited Hungary last year (and did visit relatives), we noticed
that many people have very mixed feelings about the relatives who "left"
them so many years ago. Also, some who grew up during the Socialist era
have difficulty with what they see as American materialism, American world
politics, etc. In addition (perhaps due to living under a regime that kept
track of their every move), some people are actually quite alarmed that you
have been able to "trace" them (while others may be pleased).

In other words, if people do have Adam translate their letter for them, it
would probably be good to tell him it does not necessarily need to be a
literal translation, but rather one that takes into account how the average
Hungarian might feel when contacted "out of the blue".

Beth Long

-----Original Message-----
From:Joseph J Jarfas [SMTP:]
Sent:Tuesday, June 05, 2001 11:47 PM
To:Beth Long
Cc:
Subject:Re: [HUNGARY-L] Writing to Hungary

Beth Long wrote:

> About writing to relatives in Hungary:
>
> I mentioned that I have an English teacher friend who provides this
service
> for a fee of $10 (for a one-page letter). It strikes me that I should
maybe
> ask him to compose a letter, based on what would be appropriate in
> Hungarian culture for someone making a first contact in this situation
(as
> opposed to just translating what people send him). Any opinions ?
>
> Beth Long

Hi Beth,

a 'form' letter will be recognized as such - even in Hungary. It will
create much more excitement (and interest) if somebody writes a simple
English
composition with some detail of research of the purported relations: names,
dates and connection to all. Just keep in mind that most of the English
'speakers' (they usually don't) over there are on a high school level at
best
(think back on your own language studies!:-)). So keep it simple, present
tense
sentences ... and even in the most remote place will find somebody there
to do
the translation (they started to teach kids in kindergarten now).

Joe
Equinunk, PA - USA




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