Contrary to the conventional wisdom that would have us believe meaning is lost in translation, the following illustrates a situation in which several passes through the filters of intra-lingual syntax and entendre have served to distill the true essence of that which was communicated; demonstrating a richness of subtlety and nuance that would not otherwise have been possible.
While Madonna was in Hungary filming her latest magnum opus, Evita, she was interviewed by the Budapest newspaper Blikk. Questions in Hungarian were translated into English and asked of Madonna, whose replies were then translated back into Hungarian for consumption by her Budapestian fans. Shortly after publication, USA Today requested that the entire interview be translated back into English. This is the result.Blikk:
Madonna, Budapest says hello with arms that are spread-eagled. Did you have a visit here that was agreeable? Are you in good odor? You are the biggest fan of our young people who hear your musical productions and like to move their bodies in response.
Madonna:
Thank you for saying these compliments [holds up hands]. Please stop with taking sensationalist photographs until I have removed my garments for all to see [laughs]. This is a joke I have made.
Blikk:
Madonna, let's cut toward the hunt: Are you a bold hussy-woman that feasts on men who are toys?