I'm been a freelance translator and I know that some termologies cannot be easily found in dictionaries unless you are both a numismatics and a translator. For instance try to translate these terms in another language: error, brockage, overstrike, overdate, double die, multiple strikes, counterfeit, plated, clad, etc. I think there are some terms that are easier (or standard) such as diameter, weight, metals etc but some technical terms may pose a challenge. Reason why I ask is I'm getting stuck in a rut in the field that I am collecting and I would like to broaden my knowledge looking at foreign markets. Imagine looking for error coins from the middle of Middle East, reading latest articles about counterfeits coming from China, bullion articles and so forth. I acknowledge English is a universal language but at times I think that I might have taken it for granted especially in a wide field of numismatics I focus on. What I propose is to setup a page for people to use it as a guideline. At times I have seen sellers from overseas trying to describe funny things. For instance a seller has attempted to describe an overstrike as "new and old coin". Bit crude but ruins potential customers. Another possibility is that you might be able to check out a foreign website for error coins and find some gem in there. Figured that coin forums are the best place to post as there are some foreign collectors hiding somewhere and it may help others who find English is not their language. Ambitious but I see this as a long term project. Suggestions?
I think it is true of any language that unless you are a native speaker of a given language that you are going to make mistakes when you use it, either written or spoken. Also there are many terms/words/phrases that just do not translate from one language to another. So sometimes in order to get your meaning across accurately you might have to use several sentences when in your native language you could do it in a word or two. That is just the nature of language, pretty much all of them. So gx you are right about one thing, you've got your work cut out for you As far as suggestions on how to proceed, I'd say about the only way to do it and do it right would be to work with native speakers of the various languages. That alone is hard enough, but the truly hard part will be finding the people who actually know enough to help you. Otherwise you may well end up with a lot of incorrect translations.
The ANA and ANS libraries must catalog a book or two of glossaries. (Failing any of these being helpful, let me know. I work as a technical writer; obviously I have an interest in numismatics; and I am pretty good with languages. We could make a project of this. Might take a year or two...) From the ANA Library: Dictionary of numismatic names, with Glossary of numismatic terms in English, French, German, Italian, Swedish. * Author:Frey, Albert Romer, 1858- Call Number:AA50.F7 1973 Publisher:London, Spink & Son, 1973. Glosario de terminos numismaticos * Author:Morales-Garcia, Ines. Call Number:AA50.M6g Location:VF Publisher:Cuba, Museo Numismatico, 1986. Lexikon der numismatik. * Author:Kroha, Tyll. Call Number:AA50.K77 Publisher:Gutersloh, Bertelsmann, 1977 Numismatisches Worterbuch - Deutsch-Englisch -- Numismatic Dictionary - English-German, German-English. * Author:Krause, Hermann Call Number:AA50.K7g Publisher:Germany, Ernst Battenberg Verlag, 1971. The Macmillan encyclopedic dictionary of numismatics. * Author:Doty, Richard G. Call Number:AA50.D6 Publisher:New York, Macmillan, 1982
