'May It Please You to Accept Translation?' ; Letters

Western Daily Press › December 10, 2011

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Summary

I refer to Martin Hesp's article of December 3. Whereas I fully agree with all the sentiments he expresses about politeness, the pedant in me must take issue with his translation of the Dutch expression "alstublieft". This does not actually mean "please". It is used as you present someone with something, and the best translation I can suggest is "may it please you to accept..."

Perhaps the nearest I can get to "please" is "ik zou graag....", literally "I should be grateful..."

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'May It Please You to Accept Translation?' ; Letters

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