LOST IN TRANSLATION IN AFRICA

---

An East African newspaper article read:

"A new swimming pool is rapidly taking shape since the contractors have thrown in the bulk of their workers."

---

When Gerber started selling baby food in Africa, they used the same packaging as in the US, with the picture of the beautiful baby on the label. Later they learned that in Africa companies routinely put pictures on labels of what's inside, since most people can't read English.

---

Nike shot a television spot for hiking boots in Kenya using Samburu tribesmen. As one of the men speaks in his native Maa, the slogan "Just Do it'' comes up as a subtitle on screen. According to Lee Cronk, a University of Cincinnati anthropologist, the translation is less than exact. It seems that the tribesman is really saying ``I don't want these. Give me big shoes.'' Nike spokesperson Elizabeth Dolan admitted to Forbes magazine that the literal translation came as an unpleasant surprise: "We thought nobody in America would know what he said.''

---

In Uganda, sign in a bus, which is probably not a mistake, reads:

PLEASE KEEP THIS BUS TIDY
Throw your rubbish out of the window."

---

Sign in Egyptian hotel:

"If you require room service, please open door and shout, `room service!'"

---