Francis Lee (X) (asker) Oct 6, 2006:

Thanks for ALL the suggestions. I wish I could give points to everyone. Sadly - and this is as frustrating for me as it might be for you - I have been informed (after asking twice) that will be no Aufklärung as to what the author actually meant. The lines of communication at the company involved are very long, and there's nothing more I can do ;-( But my English-speaking contact did say "In the case of a travel prospect, though, the goal is to make the destination attractive to the reader".

Francis Lee (X) (asker) Sep 28, 2006:

I ended up with "... in the Kalahari, demonstrating extraordinary resilience as they lead their traditional way of life in this hostile environment" BUT added a note about the German being unclear/nonsensical etc. As my text will go through various departments (the customer is very, very big), however, it may be some time before I get any feedback. Thanks to all! Heck, even young Master Wenzel made a positive contribution! (i.e. below, not above)

muitoprazer (X) Sep 28, 2006:

if I could make a speedy return to Nicoles earlier comment (absolutely no pun intended)about extrem menschlich being nonsense,what about these two words conveying extreme kindness,sympathy,humanity ?

Francis Lee (X) (asker) Sep 28, 2006:

I have indeed since e-mailed the client for clarification - if only to make them realise what a load of tosh it is they've written. I probably won't get an answer until after my deadline in a couple of hours, so whatver I write will be accompanied by a note (not the only one with this job, I can assure you). Thanks for all the input!

Lancashireman Sep 28, 2006:

Good morning, Francis. We have all the context we need here. How embarrassing if you were to do as Stephen suggests!

CMJ_Trans (X) Sep 28, 2006:

couldn't we agree it's not a typo? there are one or two answers, including your own ideas, that should give you enough material here, no?

Stephen Sadie Sep 28, 2006:

@ francis...you demand the impossible, translators agreeing? Maybe you could at least clarify the typo option with your client, somewhat simplifying "our" task

Francis Lee (X) (asker) Sep 28, 2006:

Looks like the jury's gonna be out for a while yet on this one. Can you people please at least vaguely agree on something? ;-)

muitoprazer (X) Sep 28, 2006:

to Nicole-obviously the first,but if they are not careful,they often form part of the 2nd option !

Nicole Schnell Sep 28, 2006:

Re your note: simply think about the psychological profile of Botswana/Kalahari travelers. Adventure seekers or swimming pool w/ dinner served at 7?

muitoprazer (X) Sep 28, 2006:

agree with Francis Lee's comments above,use of Bew.. implies that mastery of such an inhospitable terrain is arduous and difficult.Also agree with Nicole re extrem.

Francis Lee (X) (asker) Sep 28, 2006:

OK, everyone, just queue up to hammer a nail into my self-constructed context-crucifix ;-) It's at least reassuring to know that natives also find "extrem menschlich" a bit bewildering

Nicole Schnell Sep 28, 2006:

Sorry, there is no such thing as "extrem menschlich". Plain silly.

silvia glatzhofer Sep 28, 2006:

... and yes, the little context is sthg. the two of us should discuss ;-)))

silvia glatzhofer Sep 28, 2006:

agree with you, Francis, it must have to do with dignity despite the "lebensfeindliche Umstände".

Francis Lee (X) (asker) Sep 28, 2006:

Perhaps in the sense of leading a tough but extremely dignified existence/life (in harsh conditions)?

Stephen Sadie Sep 28, 2006:

very humane...sounds horribly worded