Re: [CR]"Everest"

(Example: Framebuilders:Alberto Masi)

Date: Thu, 01 Apr 2004 10:39:46 +0900
Subject: Re: [CR]"Everest"
From: "Dennis Young" <mail@woodworkingboy.com>
To: Richard M Sachs <richardsachs@juno.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
In-Reply-To: <20040331.195655.3332.162.richardsachs@juno.com>


It is a somewhat curious phenomenon, the way the Japanese use grammatically incorrect and sometimes unintelligible English in their advertising, as on this bicycle. I think it is a bit of a throwback to the old days when English speaking countries could only be reached by weeks on a boat, or a grueling twenty some hour flight. A bit of English, even if it was concocted up by untrained people, added a bit of romance, possibly even the thought of quality to the goods. Correctness was not a priority. You still see it being done today. It always strikes native English speakers as very confusing. When I first observed this practice, I thought it was a Zen koen that if one could get a handle on, meant enlightenment. You see some very peculiar phrases than can really twist your head inside out, but I doubt that spiritual insight can be attained. All you can do is give up trying to figure it and throw up your hands, perhaps something of a achievement in itself.

Dennis Young Riding my bike on a landscape in the midst of pleasurable trees today in Hotaka, Japan


> on a more serious note...
> i'm curious about the motivation behind the
> tag line, "The Very Best Of Cycle In The World",
> that appears in the crest - a crest, i might add
> evokes a cinelli look.
> dennis - can you speculate on the motivation
> or cultural issues that would prompt an asian
> firm to add this english (?!) phrase to its logo?
> anyone can chime in. thanks.
> e-RICHIE???
> Richard Sachs Cycles
> No.9, North Main Street
> Chester, CT 06412 USA
> Tel. 860.526.2059
> site: http://www.richardsachs.com
> pics: http://photos.yahoo.com/bobbesrs
> rants: http://richardsachs.blogspot.com/
>
>
>
>
>
> Dennis Young <mail@woodworkingboy.com> writes:
> There is also a Japanese "Everest". Check it out:
> http://page8.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/h8105433
> Dennis Young
> Hotaka, Japan